The sixth Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards took place on the 10th of July at Birmingham Eastside Rooms, to honour and celebrate the region’s thriving hospitality scene. 

The grand awards ceremony, organised and run by B Events, saw 27 impressive businesses and individuals, recognised for their ongoing outstanding achievements across the hospitality industry.

Hosted by Brummie radio presenter and podcaster, Dan Kelly, who is best known for his ten years stint on Capital’s breakfast show and guest speaker on his daily show on In Demand Radio, the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards brought together over 500 guests for the annual celebration which saw over 800 entries and 100,000 votes. 

As well as crowning the winners, the black-tie event also treated guests to a three-course dinner and performances from Undercover Artists and Drumline Entertainment. 

Recognising everything from outstanding team achievements to the rising stars in the Midlands, the categories ranged from Chef of the Year and Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year to Food/Drink Festival of the Year and Cocktail Bar of the Year. 

This year’s charity partner was Acorns Children’s Hospice and the event managed to raise over £4000 on the night. 

The winners of this year’s awards were among the following categories:

Afternoon Tea Establishment of the Year 

KILO|ZIRO Café Bar & Refill Taproom

Bar/Restaurant Manager of the Year 

Jordan Stewart at Gaucho 

Boutique Hotel of the Year

Mallory Court Hotel & Spa

Brewery/Distillery of the Year

West Midlands Distillery 

Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year

Thyme Kitchen

Chef of the Year 

Rob Palmer (Toffs by Rob Palmer)

Cocktail Bar of the Year

Fox and Chance

 Desi Bar & Grill of the Year

The Covered Wagon

Dessert Parlour of the Year 

LA-POP!

East Asian Restaurant of the Year

Yakinori – Solihull

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year

Toffs by Rob Palmer

Food/Drink Festival of the Year

Shrewsbury Food Festival 

Gastro Pub of the Year

The Griffin Inn

General Manager of the Year

Adin Memetovic (Albert’s Schloss)

Hotel Bar of the Year

The Bubble Lounge – Hotel Du Vin 

Hotel of the Year 

Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre

Independent Coffee Shop of the Year

The Two Mugs

Italian Restaurant of the Year

Venezia Italian Restaurant 

People’s Choice

Albert’s Schloss

Rising Star of the Year 

Christina Kruzewski (Orelle)

South Asian Restaurant of the Year

Omar Khayyam Indian Restaurant 

Steak House of the Year

Black Iron at Winstanley House

Street Food Operator of the Year 

Urban Spice Box

Traditional Pub of the Year

The Good Intent 

Vegetarian or Vegan Restaurant of the Year

Land Restaurant 

Venue of the Year 

Millennium Point

Sustainable Food Business of the Year

KILO|ZIRO Café Bar & Refill Taproom

Launched by co-founders Anita Chumber and Ifraz Ahmed, B Events has become recognised for delivering events that matter: hosting awards ceremonies, round tables, exhibitions, and showcase events that place a spotlight on the region.

Anita Chumber, co-founder of B Events commented on the events saying: “A massive congratulations to all the incredible winners of the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2023, where we rolled out the red carpet to honour the very best in the industry.

These 27 outstanding businesses and individuals have truly showcased the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of the Midlands where their exceptional achievements have not only elevated the regions hospitality industry but also created memorable experiences for all.”

She added: “After a couple of turbulent years for the sector, we are proud to have been able to cast a spotlight on the Midlands as a hub for extraordinary food and drink. Together, we raised a glass to these outstanding heroes of hospitality who continue to set a new standard of excellence.”

Co-founder of B Events, Ifraz Ahmed said: “We would also like to express our gratitude to everyone who attended last night and made it such a memorable evening.

A special thank you also goes out to our wonderful judges and sponsors whose ongoing commitment has allowed us to cast a spotlight on these outstanding heroes of hospitality to give them the recognition they thoroughly deserve. We are already looking to next year’s event and hope to see all our wonderful guests again!”