All of the winners of the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards 2024

The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards returned last week for their 2024 ceremony, recognising excellence and innovation in the city’s hospitality and retail sector.

Attended by hundreds of guests from Liverpool’s vibrant hospitality and retail community, the event showcased the remarkable talents and contributions of individuals and establishments shaping the city’s ever-evolving landscape.

Held in the Titanic Hotel’s Rum Warehouse, the evening was a testament to the unwavering spirit of Liverpool’s hospitality and retail industry, with guests treated to a drinks reception courtesy of Think Wine Group before enjoying a delicious 3 course meal. The awards themselves were presented after dinner and honoured individuals and organisations across various categories, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Liverpool’s thriving scene.

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.

Of the 17 categories, the winners were:

Excellence in Food Service – Libby Starkey, Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Bar Mixologist of the Year – John Ennis, Manolo AND Nick Thomas, Salt Dog Slims
Barista of the Year – Harry Thomas, Crosby Coffee
Rising Star Award – Cameronn Dodd, Happy Days Group
Front of House Award – Kinga Walsh, The Municipal Hotel and Spa Liverpool – MGallery
Heart of House Award – Elaine Fearns, Staybridge Suites Liverpool
Unsung Hero – Liam McAuley, 30 James Street
Excellence in Retail Award – Red Run
Sales & revenue Star – Gary Mills, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
Young Chef of the Year – Daryl Jackson, Pullman Liverpool
Chef of the Year – John Fitzgerald, Hosted by National Museums Liverpool
Special Award – Ian Corkhill Strawberry Field
Head Chef of the Year – Dave Rooney, Pullman Liverpool
Top Team Award – The Delifonseca Team
Manager of the Year – Kristie Palmer, Bold Street Coffee
Judges’ Choice Award – Barfection
Special Recognition Award presented by Hospitality Action – Brian Connor, Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Liverpool Hospitality Association Award – Marcus Magee, Hilton Liverpool

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.

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

“The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards are a fantastic celebration of the individuals at the heart of Liverpool’s exceptional bustling hospitality and retail sectors. At this year’s awards, we have seen a great representation of the talent and passion across the board from all winners and those shortlisted, their contribution does not go unnoticed. We are proud to support these awards as they put the spotlight on those people contributing towards the exceptional customer service found across our region’s thriving visitor economy.”

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

”We’re thrilled to be a part of this year’s awards and what a fantastic night it was. We have managed to raise over £25,000 for this years charities 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.”

The awards were supported by the Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse, Hospitality Hero, Liverpool BID Company, MSP Global, The Guide Liverpool, PIB, Saffron Vanilla, Sugar and Lime, Lanson, Avrenim, C and C group, Can Do Payments, NML, PIB, Nineteen Agency and Cool Breeze Events.

The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards 2024 would like to express gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and attendees for their invaluable support in making this event a resounding success. Together, we celebrate the spirit of hospitality and camaraderie that defines Liverpool’s dynamic industry.