2026 WINNERS

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Meet Our Judges

Tony Elvin

General Manager - Touchwood Shopping Centre

Head Judge

Tony Elvin

General Manager - Touchwood Shopping Centre

General Manager at the award winning Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull, Tony has a rich and varied hospitality and leisure background working in and operating health clubs, bars, restaurants, family entertainment centres and hotels. He also runs his own events business, The Wine Events Company, hosting tastings, pop ups, collaborations and dinners across the region. Tony is an active ambassador for the region, Deputy Chair for Solihull BID, Executive Board and past President for the Solihull Chamber Chambers of Commerce and has significant judging / Head Judge experience with the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards, The Birmingham Awards, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards and Midlands Education Awards.

Jack Brabant

Director - Digbeth Dining Club

Jack Brabant

Director - Digbeth Dining Club

Jack Brabant is the co‑founder and Director of Digbeth Dining Club, the award‑winning street‑food institution that transformed Birmingham’s culinary landscape. Since launching in 2012, Jack has grown DDC from a small bank‑holiday pop‑up into one of the UK’s most influential street‑food brands, hosting large‑scale food, drink and music events across the country . His background in media, videography and event production gave him the creative foundation to build a platform that champions independent traders and sets national standards for street‑food culture . Jack’s deep industry knowledge, experience curating top‑tier traders, and proven ability to elevate grassroots talent make him an exceptional judge—bringing insight, fairness and a true understanding of what outstanding food and hospitality look like.

Conrad Brunton

Managing Director at Tonic

Conrad Brunton

Managing Director at Tonic

Conrad is undoubtedly one of our biggest champions of the food, drink and hospitality scene in Birmingham. Conrad entered the catering and hospitality industry at the age of 14 when he started working as a pot wash in a local pub. This led on to basic kitchen prep, restaurant service and eventually bar work. Conrad always held down part-time jobs while at school and college including working at ‘Simpson’s’ (1 star Michelin) and ‘Bank’ (2 Rosette) as a waiter. His passion for the industry led him to study and gain a 1st class BA (hons) in Hospitality and Food Management, a four-year degree, at UCB (Birmingham College of Food). His course included a year in industry which Conrad spent training as a chef in a 1 Rosette kitchen, he also carried out 8 weeks of work experience at the 3* Michelin, No 1 restaurant in the world – The Fat Duck. Having joined ‘Mitchell and Butlers’ trainee manager programme and placed in a very busy gastro pub Conrad advanced to deputy GM quickly and implemented standards of procedures which were rolled out across the group. Having been headhunted for his first GM role and completed the pre-opening of Après Bar Broadway Plaza, Conrad identified a gap in the market in Birmingham for a top-quality, modern British takeaway, which specialised in fish and chips and he opened 'Great British Eatery’ (GBE). In February 2010 GBE was named England’s No.1 fish and chip shop – the highest accolade that any shop can achieve. He made the move into hospitality and catering recruitment in 2012 and started Tonic Talent in June 2018. Conrad and his team recruit the best talent for Hospitality and Catering business's across the UK. Conrad is Birmingham born and bred, his knowledge of the Birmingham Food and Drink scene is second to none, and he is proud to champion all things 'Birmingham'.

Arron Wincott

General Manager at Hotel du Vin Birmingham

Arron Wincott

General Manager at Hotel du Vin Birmingham

Arron Wincott is the General Manager of Hotel du Vin Birmingham, bringing over 20 years of hospitality leadership across some of the Midlands’ most respected hotels and venues. His career spans senior roles at Village Hotels, Malmaison, Manor Hotel Meriden, and the prestigious Belfry Hotel & Resort, giving him deep operational expertise across food, beverage, events, and luxury service delivery. Under his leadership, Hotel du Vin Birmingham has earned major recognition, including winning Boutique Hotel of the Year at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2025 . Arron’s extensive frontline and managerial experience enables him to judge with precision, fairness, and a strong understanding of what exceptional hospitality truly looks like.

Laura McEwan

Media & Communications Expert - Bite Comms

Laura McEwan

Media & Communications Expert - Bite Comms

Having initially trained and worked as a journalist, Laura is a freelance media and communications expert from Birmingham, specialising in the hospitality industry. With over 15 years of experience across the creative sector, Laura has copywriting, online content creation and SEO, events management, PR and marketing and media consultancy all on her CV. With a portfolio including clients based in food, culture and local community projects in the West Midlands, through Bite Comms she has helped people and companies of all sizes tell stories, create content and build brands since starting her own business in 2021. Through her popular award-winning food and drink blog, Bite Your Brum, she’s also gained a diverse understanding of what makes hospitality businesses special as well as the guest experience, and is a trusted and recognisable face both in the hospitality community and with her followers online.

Barinder Sumon

Business Development Manager at Alliance

Barinder Sumon

Business Development Manager at Alliance

Barinder Sumon is a Business Development Manager at Alliance, bringing over nine years of experience in the hospitality industry, supported by a strong background in healthcare and dementia care. Known for her people‑first approach and natural ability to build meaningful relationships, Barinder excels at creating opportunities, driving business growth, and supporting organisations across multiple sectors. Her passion for connecting with others has led to regular invitations as a guest speaker at business and networking events, where she shares insights on partnership building and industry development. Barinder also serves as a judge for regional awards, a role she values deeply as it allows her to champion excellence, celebrate community achievements, and recognise outstanding contributions across the Midlands.

Liam Hughes

General Manager - F1 Arcade Birmingham

Liam Hughes

General Manager - F1 Arcade Birmingham

Liam Hughes is a multi‑award‑winning hospitality leader and the General Manager of F1 Arcade Birmingham, one of the UK’s most innovative experiential venues. With a career spanning high‑volume restaurants, premium casual dining, and immersive entertainment, Liam has built a reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences and developing high‑performing teams. His leadership roles at The Canal House, Gusto Italian, and Mitchells & Butlers have equipped him with deep operational expertise across service excellence, brand standards, and commercial performance. Liam’s achievements include General Manager of the Year 2022, Pub of the Year 2022, Bar of the Year 2024, and Themed/Entertainment Venue of the Year 2025. His insight into innovation, customer engagement, and team culture makes him an invaluable and forward‑thinking judge.

Matt Loughrey

Partnerships & Community Manager - The Burnt Chef Project

Matt Loughrey

Partnerships & Community Manager - The Burnt Chef Project

Matt Loughrey is a highly respected hospitality leader with 20+ years of industry experience, known for driving excellence, wellbeing, and community impact across the Midlands. A former award‑winning Hotel General Manager, Matt has led major brands including Radisson Blu, Drayton Manor Resort, Sketchley Grange, and Edgbaston Park Hotel, achieving accolades such as Best Hotel – Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards, Birmingham Young Achiever 2018, and multiple community contribution awards. Now Partnerships & Community Manager at The Burnt Chef Project, Matt works globally to improve mental health and inclusion in hospitality. His deep operational expertise, people‑first leadership, and commitment to raising industry standards make him an insightful, values‑driven judge who champions excellence across the sector.

Melanie Palmer

Chief Executive- Solihull BID

Melanie Palmer

Chief Executive- Solihull BID

Melanie Palmer is the Chief Executive of Solihull BID, leading one of the region’s most successful town‑centre business improvement districts. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Europe’s largest organisation supporting town and city centres, where she plays a key role in shaping national policy and championing local economic growth . Melanie has additionally contributed to the West Midlands Mayor’s Business Advisory Board and founded BID Central, a collaborative forum for BID leaders across the Midlands . Her strategic leadership, deep understanding of place‑making, and commitment to strengthening high streets make her an invaluable judge, bringing insight into community impact, business resilience, and regional development.

Nicole Riley-Elliott

Founder of iDEAL STAFF

Nicole Riley-Elliott

Founder of iDEAL STAFF

Nicole Riley‑Elliott is the multi‑award‑winning Founder and Director of iDEAL STAFF, a purpose‑driven hospitality and events staffing agency built on her mission to create flexible, meaningful employment opportunities . With 16+ years of experience at Birmingham City University, Nicole has developed deep expertise in talent development, employer partnerships, and connecting emerging professionals with industry opportunities . Alongside leading iDEAL STAFF, she is also a Director at Evenfields Careers CIC, championing inclusive recruitment and supporting diverse talent pipelines across the region . Nicole’s blend of hospitality staffing expertise, people‑first leadership, and commitment to community impact enables her to judge with insight, fairness, and a strong understanding of what excellence looks like across the Midlands hospitality sector.

Satnam Kaur

Co-Founder - Urban Spice Box

Satnam Kaur

Co-Founder - Urban Spice Box

Satnam Kaur is the Business Director of Urban Spice Box, a multi-award-winning street food business that puts an urban twist on authentic Punjabi cuisine. Together with her business partner, Punjabi Chef Vick Singh, Satnam has created a unique culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. With Vick's roots in Punjab and their shared passion for bringing the flavors of Punjab to the street food scene, Satnam Kaur is a respected figure in the industry and a driving force behind Urban Spice Box's success.

Nitisha Patel

Award-Winning Chef & Food Consultant

Nitisha Patel

Award-Winning Chef & Food Consultant

Nitisha Patel, an award-winning chef and food consultant from Birmingham, is our esteemed judge for the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards. With a rich heritage in the kitchen alongside her mother and grandmother, Nitisha’s passion for cooking flourished. She pursued A-level food technology and earned a Bachelor Advanced degree in Culinary Arts Management from University College Birmingham. Her career spans roles as chef de partie, sous chef, and kitchen manager, leading to product development for global food brands. Notably, Nitisha was asked to be the face of Tesco’s ready meal campaign in 2012. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the launch of her cookbooks, “My Modern Indian Kitchen” in 2017 and “The Delicious Book of Dhal” in 2019, which have gained international acclaim. In 2017, Nitisha founded Nitisha Patel Foods Ltd, steering her business to innovate in the food industry. She’s recognized for her contributions with awards like the Black Country’s ‘Master of Food’ and the ‘Rising Star’ at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards.

Alex Claridge

West Midlands Night Time Economy Advisor

Alex Claridge

West Midlands Night Time Economy Advisor

Alex Claridge is chef-patron of The Wilderness, the “rock and roll fine dining” restaurant in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. The Wilderness serves bold, playful and provocative tasting menus amidst dark interiors, an open kitchen and a rock and roll soundtrack. Alex is a vocal, often outspoken, advocate for the city’s hospitality scene and has recently been appointed as the West Midlands’ first regional Night Time Economy Advisor.

Sophie Hyam

Award Winning Chef

Sophie Hyam

Award Winning Chef

Freelance, qualified award winning Chef / Event Chef running my own catering business. Food Demonstrator, Buffet Caterer, Private Dine Chef, Judge at Great Taste Awards, Product Development Chef Mission Foods I pimp myself out in the culinary world to keep my catering work fun & varied - “Variety being the Spice of Life” 2022 won the accolade of Casual Dining Chef by Foodie Awards Coventry & Warwickshire. Beat off two accomplished male chefs at a live Cook Off at Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park. Esteemed judges Nigel Barden, BBC good food editor and Candice Brown, Great British Bake off winner & restauranteur both judged my dish as the winning dish. Focus is to champion local suppliers and restaurants. My aim - educate anyone who wants to enjoy the wonders of food.

Sarah Overton

General Manager - Alliance West Midlands

Sarah Overton

General Manager - Alliance West Midlands

Born into the hospitality trade Sarah has a lifetime of experience when it comes to every aspect within the hospitality industry. Having actively worked in the industry for over 25 years, of which the last 13 years have been under the Alliance National banner she understands the complexity and challenges facing any business within this trade. For the last 6 years she has worked as the General Manager for the Alliance West Midlands branch and has serviced the hospitality needs of the local areas of the West Midlands and Birmingham. Due to her extensive career thus far she is perfectly placed to act as a judge for the Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality Awards and is looking forward to being part of the event.

Michele Wilby

CEO - Colmore BID

Michele Wilby

CEO - Colmore BID

I am the Chief Executive of Colmore Business District, a position I have held since 2009 when the BID was first established. Colmore BID is one of the five city centre BIDs. My job is my passion - every day is different and I love making a difference in the city centre, whether it be through exciting public realm projects or delivering our award winning Food Festival. I am the Co-Chair of The BID Foundation, a national membership organisation and a board director on the High Streets Task Force. I am a Senior Fellow of the Institute of Place Management.

Daniel Lee

Masterchef: The Professionals 2021 Champion

Daniel Lee

Masterchef: The Professionals 2021 Champion

I am a chef from Birmingham, UK, with my heritage being a mix of English, Irish and Cantonese. I am classically French trained but have worked around the world in countries such as New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Italy, Greece and France. I reimagine classic dishes by studying the history and culture where the dish originated from, then rebuild the dishes using my experience and knowledge of ingredients and techniques from around the world. My food can be described as fusion, but the term is thrown around too often. My food reflects me, my mixed heritage, and my understanding of different cultures. My aim is to create dishes reflecting the diverse world we live in, whilst also educating people on the heritage and history behind each dish, ingredient, and technique. I am the MasterChef: Professionals UK champion 2021, with my career background being a mix of private dining, Michelin star restaurants, 5 star hotels and banqueting events. My time on MasterChef The Professionals was an amazing and challenging experience. I received praise for my own style of cookery. Marcus Wareing described me as ‘A star in the making’. Whilst I also received high praise for dishes throughout the competition including 3 Michelin starred Matt Abe describing one of my dishes as ‘Outstanding’ I love to design fine dining menus and really push the boundaries in terms of tastes and techniques to create something refined and new. Along side this I have a huge passion for street food culture and affordable, accessible food that is still of the highest quality. My travels around southeast Asia and time working in Thailand and Singapore heavily influenced my food style, the Hawker Centre and Street food culture is something that massively appealed to me and where I take a lot of inspiration for my dishes from. Learning about these cuisines, the culture, the history and how it is all linked, then using this understanding to create new dishes with the same amazing flavours but also including European ingredients and techniques into the plates I create. I currently do a mixture of restaurant residencies, private dining and cooking demos. I have also recently teamed up with Singapore Tourism Board to promote Singaporean food to a wider audience. Alongside this there are talks for a similar project with the Hong Kong tourism board.

Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality Awards - A recognition & celebration of the great work done within the industry

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