Recognising excellence in the city’s hospitality and retail sector the awards attended by over 400 guests showcased the remarkable talents and contributions of individuals and establishments shaping the city’s ever-evolving landscape.

The winners were chosen through a rigorous selection process, with a judging panel of industry experts interviewing and deliberating over the nominees before choosing their worthy winners.

17 awards were presented with Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Royal Albert Dock taking home awards in two categories. Awards also went to the Municipal Hotel and Spa MGallery, NORD, INNSiDE by Melia, Maldron Hotel Liverpool, Bold Street Coffee, Delta Hotels by Marriott Liverpool City Centre, Premier Suites Liverpool, Hope Street Hotel, Salt House Tapas, Crowne Plaza Liverpool and The Liner Liverpool. An emotional tribute was led by Donna Howitt of Liverpool ONE presenting the Excellence in Retail Award to the friends and family of Tracy Fearon who had recently passed away. The 2025 judges choice award was presented to the Aintree Racecourse team, with the top award the Liverpool Hospitality Chairman’s Award going to Christine Henney, Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse. Not only did each winner receive their custom trophy, each was gifted tickets to Devafest and a bottle of Champagne Lanson.

Jay Hynd and Claire Simmo from The Guide Liverpool were hosts for the evening and guests were welcomed with a drinks reception sponsored by ThinK Wine Group, Wrexham Lager and Chance Cider before dinner prepared by the Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse team. After the awards guests enjoyed entertainment from The Toni James Experience.

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

“We’re incredibly proud to support the Liverpool People Hospitality Awards, which celebrate the people and places at the heart of our city’s vibrant hospitality sector. From exceptional service to unforgettable experiences, the finalists and winners reflect the passion, creativity and dedication that make Liverpool such a standout destination. Congratulations to everyone involved – you truly embody the spirit of hospitality in our great city region!”

Stephen Ramsden, Director of awards sponsor, Saffron Vanilla, said

”We’re thrilled to be a part of the awards for a third year running and what a fantastic night it was. We have managed to raise over £25,000 for this year’s charities Hospitality Action and The Whitechapel Centre whilst 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.”

‘We are delighted to honour the remarkable achievements of Liverpool’s hospitality and retail professionals at this year’s awards,” said Steven Hesketh, Vice-Chair of Liverpool Hospitality Association. “Their passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence have played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s vibrant culture and identity. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their outstanding contributions. We’d like to thank all of our sponsors and suppliers for their part in creating this year’s awards.

The full list of winners is:

• Excellence in Food Service sponsored by Devafest – Richie Grierson, NORD
• Excellence in Bar Service sponsored by Matthew Clark – Connor Robinson, Maldron Hotel Liverpool
• Barista of the Year sponsored by Chance Cider – Holly Haines, Bold Street Coffee
• Rising Star Award sponsored by The Guide Liverpool – Maja Opiela, Delta Hotels by Marriott Liverpool City Centre
• Special Award presented by Liverpool Hospitality – Mark Langan, Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Royal Albert Dock
• Front of House Award sponsored by Titanic Hotel & Rum Warehouse – Sophie Scott, Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Royal Albert Dock
• Heart of House Award sponsored by ThinK Wine Group – Elena Cornea, INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool
• Excellence in Retail Award sponsored by Liverpool ONE – Tracy Fearon, Jo Malone London
• Unsung Hero sponsored by The Hospitality Hero – Ian Parry, PREMIER SUITES Liverpool
• Sales & Revenue Star sponsored by MSP Global – Jessica Matthews, Hope Street Hotel
• Young Chef of the Year sponsored by Saffron Vanilla – Dylan Beatham, Salthouse Tapas
• Chef of the Year, sponsored by Saffron Vanilla – Matthew Li, The Municipal Hotel & Spa MGallery Liverpool
• Head Chef of the Year sponsored by Sugar & Lime – Alex Lawless, Crowne Plaza Liverpool
• Top Team Award sponsored by Liverpool Accommodation BID – Front Desk Team at The Liner, The Liner Hotel Liverpool
• Manager of the Year Sponsored by Wrexham Lager – Danielle Youds, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
• Judges’ Choice Award Presented by PIB Insurance – Aintree Racecourse
• Liverpool Hospitality Association Award. Christine Henney, Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse

The awards were possible thanks to the generous support of the sponsors but also event suppliers including Champagne Lanson, Alliance, Bexleys, Wellocks and Roots, Wild Harvest as well as event partners RW Photography, Urban Tangerine, Red Events Creative and Cool Breeze Events.