The Midlands’ hospitality stars shone bright last night at the 8th Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards, held on Monday 30th June at the fabulous Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. 500 of the region’s finest gathered to celebrate excellence, innovation, and community in what proved to be a truly unforgettable evening.
Hosted by the energetic Tommy Sandhu, the room was buzzing with excitement as the industry came together to recognise the very best across a diverse range of categories. The event also featured entertainment from The Undercover Artists, who had guests dancing in celebration of a thriving hospitality sector.
This year’s ceremony introduced a brand-new exhibitor area, with inaugural exhibitors including Trust Hygiene Services, Ideal Staffing, Double Dutch Drinks, Swoopos, and Bright Link Payments. The success of this addition has inspired plans to expand into a full-day event for 2025. Interested exhibitors are encouraged to get in touch.
A huge thank you goes to all our valued sponsors and supporters, including University College Birmingham, Touchwood, Swallow Drinks, and Hotel du Vin.
The event proudly supported The Burnt Chef Project as its charity partner, raising over £4,000 to support mental health in hospitality.
Founded by Anita Chumber and Ifraz Ahmed of B Events, the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards has become a flagship event for the region, spotlighting the outstanding people and businesses that make the Midlands a true destination for food, drink, and hospitality excellence.
A special thank you to this year’s judging panel: Tony Elvin, Tom Shepherd, Conrad Brunton, Lewis Walker, Nitisha Patel, Barinder Sumon, Kevin Fraser Urquhart, Chris Eigelaar, Galina Thomas, Satnam Kaur, and Laura McEwan.
To see all the official pics from the night visit: https://tinyurl.com/MFDHA25
Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and winners for 2025:
Afternoon Tea Establishment of the Year
Malmaison Birmingham
Dessert Parlour of the Year
Fluffy Fluffy
Independent Coffee Shop of the Year
Medicine Bakery
Street Food Operator of the Year
Libertine Burger
Themed/Entertainment Venue of the Year
F1 Arcade
Brewery/Distillery of the Year
Indian Brewery
Traditional Pub of the Year
The Bailey Head
Gastro Pub of the Year
The Plough
Boutique Hotel of the Year
Hotel Du Vin
Hotel of the Year
The Grand Hotel Birmingham
Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year
Tiger Bites Pig
South Asian Restaurant of the Year
Inji
East Asian Restaurant of the Year
Sushi Passion
Indo-Persian Restaurant of the Year
Baloci
Italian Restaurant of the Year
Trentina
Vegetarian or Vegan Restaurant of the Year
BA-HA
Steak House of the Year
Black Iron at Winstanley House
Desi Bar & Grill of the Year
Soho Cottage
Cocktail Bar of the Year
Plates and Shakers
Hotel Bar of the Year
Long Gallery Bar – Hoar Cross Hall
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
670 Grams
Food/Drink Festival of the Year
Shrewsbury Food Festival
Sustainable Food Business of the Year
BA-HA
Venue of the Year
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Front of House Employee of the Year
Lilianna Mormont Thomas – Dishoom
Back of House Employee of the Year
Matthew Banberry – F1 Arcade
General Manager of the Year
Taz Hussain – Albert’s Schloss
Bar/Restaurant Manager of the Year
Emma Brown – Baked in Brick / Bakehouse
Rising Star of the Year
Iliyana Deliradeva – F1 Arcade
Chef of the Year
Kray Treadwell – 670 Grams
People’s Choice (Public Vote)
Dishoom
Hospitality Personality of the Year
Nouman Farooqui – Asha’s
