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!”
