Liverpool Hospitality Association reveals winners of the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards at a ceremony at the Titanic Hotel’s Rum Warehouse

Winners of the annual Liverpool Hospitality People Awards have been revealed at a ceremony at the Titanic Hotel’s Rum Warehouse

Organised by Liverpool Hospitality Association, the awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the city’s hospitality and retail sector. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of people from the hospitality and retail sectors.

Guests were treated to a drinks reception courtesy of Think Wine Group before enjoying a three-course meal. Winners were chosen through a “rigorous” selection process, with a judging panel of industry experts interviewing and deliberating over the nominees. The 17 category winners were:

• Excellence in Food Service – Libby Starkey, Titanic Hotel Liverpool
• Bar Mixologist of the Year – John Ennis, Manolo AND Nick Thomas, Salt Dog Slims
• Barista of the Year – Harry Thomas, Crosby Coffee
• Rising Star Award – Cameronn Dodd, Happy Days Group
• Front of House Award – Kinga Walsh, The Municipal Hotel and Spa Liverpool – MGallery
• Heart of House Award – Elaine Fearns, Staybridge Suites Liverpool
• Unsung Hero – Liam McAuley, 30 James Street
• Excellence in Retail Award – Red Run
• Sales & revenue Star – Gary Mills, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
• Young Chef of the Year – Daryl Jackson, Pullman Liverpool
• Chef of the Year – John Fitzgerald, Hosted by National Museums Liverpool
• Special Award – Ian Corkhill Strawberry Field
• Head Chef of the Year – Dave Rooney, Pullman Liverpool
• Top Team Award – The Delifonseca Team
• Manager of the Year – Kristie Palmer, Bold Street Coffee
• Judges’ Choice Award – Barfection
• Special Recognition Award presented by Hospitality Action – Brian Connor, Titanic Hotel Liverpool
• Liverpool Hospitality Association Award – Marcus Magee, Hilton Liverpool

Donna Howitt, place strategy director at Liverpool ONE, said: “The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards are a fantastic celebration of the individuals at the heart of Liverpool’s exceptionally bustling hospitality and retail sectors.

“At this year’s awards, we have seen a great representation of the talent and passion across the board from all winners and those shortlisted, their contribution does not go unnoticed.

“We are proud to support these awards as they put the spotlight on those people contributing towards the exceptional customer service found across our region’s thriving visitor economy.”

Stephen Ramsden, director of awards sponsor, Saffron Vanilla, added “We’re thrilled to be a part of this year’s awards and what a fantastic night it was.

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“We have managed to raise more than £25,000 for this year’s charities while recognising the great hospitality workers in our industry. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners and a huge thank you to the whole team who brought the awards together.”

The awards were supported by the Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse, Hospitality Hero, Liverpool BID Company, MSP Global, The Guide Liverpool, PIB, Saffron Vanilla, Sugar and Lime, Lanson, Avrenim, C and C group, Can Do Payments, NML, PIB, Nineteen Agency and Cool Breeze Events.