The awards, in association with Saffron Vanilla, Liverpool ONE and Titanic Hotel & Rum Warehouse are a chance to celebrate the talented individuals at the heart of
Liverpool’s bustling hospitality and retail industry. The event is a chance to shine a light on and honour the unsung heroes who demonstrate dedication, resilience, and
commitment in an industry that has faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years.

Steven Hesketh, Vice-Chair of Liverpool Hospitality Association said:

“This has been a fantastic year for the Awards with a 65% increase in nominations which our panel of awards judges have found to be a very inspirational read. The judging interviews with our finalists have demonstrated a passion for hospitality and retail, and extremely high standards. This year’s shortlist features 84 talented finalists which is testament to our thriving hospitality and retail sector.”

There are 16 categories this year including Rising Star, Front and Heart of House Awards, Chef of the Year awards, Top Team, and the Retail Excellence Award. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 22nd May 2025 at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel.

Brian Connor, General Manager at the Titanic Hotel said:

“We are so looking forward to hosting the prestigious Liverpool Hospitality People Awards again this year at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool. After receiving so many nominations, it has been a real struggle for our judges to choose our short-listed nominees. Congratulations to all who were nominated, who have been put forward for being absolute shining stars within your businesses.”

Stephen Ramsden Director of Saffron Vanilla commented

“We have had so many high calibre entries, they all truly made the judges job very difficult to choose a shortlist. It is very encouraging to see the Hospitality industry in the region at such a professional level. Congratulations to all the finalists. The future of hospitality in our region is created by the people who care for it, you are custodians of the future of Hospitality embrace it and run with it.”

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“We’re proud to sponsor the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards once again. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees. Liverpool is renowned for its friendliness and warm welcome, and these awards provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the passion, dedication and talent that drive hospitality and retail forward. We’re looking forward to joining the celebrations in May and shining a light on the people who help make Liverpool such a vibrant place.”

The finalists are:

Barista of the Year

• Joel Gardner – Arts Bar Baltic
• Holly Haines – Bold Street Coffee
• Kane Gayle – Crosby Coffee Roasters
• Medi Owen – Joe & the juice

Excellence in Bar Service

• Connor Robinson – Maldron Hotel Liverpool
• Steven Cunningham – Novotel Paddington Village Liverpool
• Jack Partridge – Pullman Liverpool
• Livie-Mae Cadwallader – The Liner Hotel Liverpool
• Mia Meyler – Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse
• Jon Huntley – Whisky & Water, Blackstock Market

Excellence in Food Service

• Lauren Palmeria – Crowne Plaza Liverpool
• Harry Alexander – Hope Street Hotel
• Richie Grierson – NORD
• Susan Cooper – The Shankly Hotel
• Josh Clark-Newsome – Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse

Excellence in Retail

• Tracy Fearon – Jo Malone London
• Keeley Stenson – Penhaligons
• Jodie Morgan – Red Run

Front of House Award

• John O’Neil – Allerton Manor Golf Club
• Sophie Scott – Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Royal Albert Dock
• Kathy Cahill – Holiday Inn Liverpool
• Michael Wilkes- INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool
• Kellie Khan – PREMIER SUITES Liverpool
• Guille Sanchez – Staybridge Suites Liverpool

Heart of House Award

• Phil Carline – Crowne Plaza Liverpool
• Gary Hemnell – Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool
• Elena Cornea – INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool
• Ryley Bennett – Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
• James Pearson – Novotel Paddington Village Liverpool
• Ryan Smith – Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse

Rising Star Award

• Tom Christie-Smith – BOXPARK Liverpool
• Silvia Lovato – Crowne Plaza Liverpool
• Maja Opiela – Delta Hotels by Marriott Liverpool City Centre
• Mark Langan – Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Royal Albert Dock
• Erin Lorimer – Novotel Paddington Village Liverpool
• Millie Humphrey – Sodexo Live! at The ACC Liverpool Group

Unsung Hero Award

• Jessica Lee – Holiday Inn Liverpool
• Becky Corden – Maldron Hotel Liverpool
• Ian Parry – PREMIER SUITES Liverpool
• Ste Jones – Pullman Liverpool
• Beata Staniszewska – The Shankly Hotel
• Terence Higgs – Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse

Head Chef of the Year

• Eddie McCormack – Allerton Manor Golf Club
• Alex Lawless – Crowne Plaza Liverpool
• Susan Mukome – Delta Hotels by Marriott Liverpool City Centre
• Christina Konstantopoulou – Radissn RED Liverpool
• Andrew Green – The Municipal Hotel & Spa MGallery Liverpool

Chef of the Year

• Jesus Garcia – Crowne Plaza Liverpool
• Dzhan Shefket – INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool
• Sharrad Davies – Pullman Liverpool
• Matthew Li – The Municipal Hotel & Spa MGallery Liverpool
• Matthew Hogdkiss – Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse
• Tharanga Perera – Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse

Young Chef of the Year

• Levi Reid – Pullman Liverpool
• Beth Byrne – Queens Bistro and Wine Bar
• Rodrigo Gonzalez – Radisson RED Liverpool
• Dylan Bentham – Salthouse Tapas

Sales and Revenue Star

• Daniel Fay – Flight Club Liverpool
• Ruth Sherlock – GSG Hospitality
• Jessica Matthews – Hope Street Hotel
• Brian Churchill – INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool
• Caitlin French – Pullman Liverpool
• Concha Vazquez – Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse

Top Team Award

• Aintree Racecourse Sales Team – Aintree Racecourse
• Blue Energy Team – Hilton Hotel Liverpool
• Events Team – Hope Street Hotel
• Food and Beverage Team – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
• Front Desk Team at The Liner – The Liner Hotel Liverpool
• Reception Team – The Resident Hotel Liverpool

Manager of the Year

• Rachel Burke – Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
• Fergus Macdonald – Maldron Hotel Liverpool
• Erin Cass – Maray Restaurants
• Matt Philiskirk – Pullman Liverpool
• Elli Powell – Radisson RED Liverpool
• Danielle Youds – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
• Helen Byrne – The Municipal Hotel & Spa MGallery Liverpool

There is no shortlist for the Judges’ Choice Award and the Liverpool Hospitality Chairman’s Award, winners of both awards will be announced at the awards ceremony.

The awards are supported by Saffron Vanilla, Liverpool ONE, Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse, Hospitality Hero, Wrexham Lager, Chance Cider, Liverpool BID Company, MSP Global, The Guide Liverpool, Sugar & Lime, RW Photography, Alliance, Lanson, C&C Group, Bexleys, Brakes, Wellocks, Red Events, Urban Tangerine, The Toni James Experience and Cool Breeze Agency.

For information contact katie@coolbreezeagency.com