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• Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year

  The Midlands is known for its variety of Fine Dining Restaurants.

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  • Restaurant must operate a tasting menu
  Nominate

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• Gastro Pub of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.
  

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  • Offers fantastic menus for food and drinks

  Nominate

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• South Asian Restaurant of the Year

  Restaurant features cuisines of South Asian Continent

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  • Authentic ingredients and flavours to your cuisine.
  Nominate

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• Oriental Restaurant of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Steak Restaurant of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  • This restaurant should specialise in and focus on steak dishes
  Nominate

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• Italian Restaurant of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  • Authentic ingredients and flavours to your cuisine.
  Nominate

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• Hispanic Restaurant of the Year

  Best Spanish or South American Themed Restaurant

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  • Authentic ingredients and flavours to your cuisine.
  Nominate

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• Vegetarian – Vegan Restaurant of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  • This restaurant must be completely Vegetarian or Vegan
  Nominate

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• Casual Dining Establishment of the Year

  This category is open to cafés and bistro

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Desi Bar & Grill of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Dessert Parlour of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• People’s Choice (public vote)

   

  • This category is open to all three sectors (food, drink & hospitality) and is based on a public vote only and will be announced on the night.
  • Must have been open/operating for a minimum of 12 months.
  Nominate

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• Venue Design of the Year
  

  This category is open to restaurants, bars and hotels.

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • High level of finish
  • This venue delivers a visual wow factor
  • Ease and accessibility to the operational team must be considered
  • Must supply photographic evidence
  • Quality of application and percentage of public votes
  Nominate

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• Chef of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Demonstrates flair and creativity in the kitchen
  • Evidence achievements over the last 12 months within their role
  • Testimonials from within the industry
  • Quality of application and percentage of public votes
  • Quality of delivery as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of team engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning to those around them
  Nominate

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• Bar/Restaurant Manager of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Responsible for operational management of the bar/restaurant rather than a more office based manager which is covered by the separate General Manager of the Year category.
  • Evidence achievements over the last 12 months within their role
  • Testimonials from within the industry
  • Quality of application and percentage of public votes
  • Quality of delivery as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of team engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning to those around them
  Nominate

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• Rising Star of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Someone who has burst on to the Food, Drink & Hospitality scene within the last 12 months or has come to widespread recognition during this period.
  • Evidence achievements over the last 12 months within their role
  • Testimonials from within the industry
  • Quality of application and percentage of public votes
  • Quality of delivery as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  Nominate

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• Street Food Vendor of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  
  This category is open to street food markets, operators or vendors

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced reputation, feedback and regulatory inspections if appropriate, over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  Nominate

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• Food/Drink Festival/Operator of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  
  This category is open to pop up events and festivals rather than all year-round operations

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced reputation, feedback and regulatory inspections if appropriate, over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Creating a unique and engaging experience for visitors to the festival
  • Creates a great buzz for operators and venues involved
  Nominate

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• Food/Drink Blogger of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality and variety of content
  • Must be posting long form blog/review content an average of three times per month
  • Social media presence and engagement on any one of these following platforms – Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  Nominate

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• Best Insta of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Content is related to the Food, Drink & Hospitality Industry
  • Organic following
  • Majority Midland/Local based following
  • Ratio of followers to follows
  • Quality of imagery
  • Consistency of posts
  • Regular Activity
  Nominate

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• Cocktail Bar of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Must show quality, innovation and creativity in creation of cocktails and drinks but also still provide a range of well executed classics
  • Range of cocktails to suit all tastes
  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Traditional Pub of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Have a wide, quality section of beers and craft ales
  • Displays great community engagement
  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Sommelier of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  
  This category is open to sommeliers of wine or beer

  • Accreditation via third party (eg Notable wine list – AA)
  • Broad and appealing drinks menu
  • Evidence achievements over the last 12 months within their role
  • Testimonials from within the industry
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of team engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning to those around them
  Nominate

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• Hotel Bar of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  • Quality of service and standard via reputable third-party sites, regulated inspection, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  Nominate

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• Drinks Merchant / Tasting House of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Fantastic range of drinks available for on or off sale
  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Afternoon Tea Establishment of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  Nominate

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• Independent Coffee Shop of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Brewery/Distillery of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Quality of service and standards to customers and visitors
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Hotel of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Over 80 bedrooms
  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• Boutique Hotel of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Maximum 80 bedrooms
  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

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• General Manager of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  • Evidence achievements over the last 12 months within their role
  • Testimonials from within the industry
  • Quality of application and percentage of public votes
  • Quality of delivery as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of team engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning to those around them
  Nominate

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• Venue of the Year

  The judges will consider the following when reviewing your application.

  
  This category is open to those who hold conferences, corporate events and dinners

  • The venue must hold minimum of 300 people
  • Quality of service and standards as evidenced via 3^rd party review sites, regulatory inspections, reputation and feedback over the past 12 months.
  • Quality of application and percentage of the public vote
  • Social media presence and engagement
  • Reputation as ambassador and advocate of the local food, drink & hospitality scene, showing respect for peers, competitors and patrons.
  • Able to demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and team development, providing opportunities for learning.
  Nominate

Diamond Sponsors

Swallow

Supporting Sponsors

Falcon Insurance

Bootcamp Media

Illy

Britvic

Adapt Accountancy

Venue Partner/Charity Partner

Hospitality Action

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Media PR & Marketing Partners

Pukaar News

SixtyNine Degrees

Dluxe Magazine

Ambassadors

Hoot Hospitality

Headz Up Business