Liverpool Hospitality People Awards 2025 finalists revealed

The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards are back for 2025 and today the short-list of finalists has been unveiled.

The Liverpool Hospitality Association is excited to reveal the finalists for the People Awards for 2025.

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

Get the latest hospitality news for Liverpool City Region HERE.

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