Cheshire East Hospitality People Awards Launches & Celebrate the Region’s Best and Brightest

The inaugural Cheshire East Hospitality Awards sponsored by Mint People lit up the region last Thursday night with a vibrant, upbeat celebration of the exceptional people and businesses driving the area’s thriving hospitality scene.

Hosted at the stunning Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, the event brought together chefs, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and service professionals from across East Cheshire to honour their dedication, creativity, and excellence in hospitality. Guests enjoyed an inspiring evening that shone a spotlight on the very best of local talent and community spirit — while raising vital funds for Hospitality Action and The Wishing Well Project.

Adding a special touch to the celebration, the event was proudly supported by Cheshire College – South & West, whose talented students designed, prepared, and served an outstanding menu. Their professionalism and culinary creativity were standout features of the night, showcasing the bright future of hospitality in Cheshire East.

A special mention goes to Linden Stores, who celebrated an impressive double win on the night. Head Chef Chris Boulstead was named Head Chef of the Year, while young chef Kory Bebington received the One to Watch Award, recognising emerging talent and exceptional promise in the industry.

The evening’s most prestigious honour, the Cheshire East Association Award, was presented to Richard Milkins, Cheshire East Council in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Tourism. His passion, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact across the region and has been influential in spearheading local initiatives around skills and destination management.

“The Cheshire East People Awards were an absolute triumph. What an incredible evening celebrating the outstanding individuals who make our industry shine,” said Steven Hesketh, Acting Chair of the Cheshire East Hospitality Association & Co-owner of Devafest. “For our first year hosting these awards, the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of community in the room were just brilliant. A special mention must go to the Cheshire College students, who completely pulled it out of the bag with an exceptional meal, and to Crewe Hall for hosting us with fantastic service. It was inspiring to see such young talent in action, showcasing the bright future of hospitality in our region. We’re already looking forward to building on this success for next year!”

David Rowley, General Manager at Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa added “We were proud to host the inaugural Cheshire East Hospitality People Awards on 23 October 2025, an evening celebrating excellence across the local hospitality industry.   With the support of sponsors Mint People, the event honoured the talented winners who represent both the present and the future of our sector.”

The atmosphere throughout the evening was one of celebration, camaraderie, and pride as friends and colleagues came together to recognise excellence across every corner of the industry.

A full list of winners from the event is:

Excellence in Food Service Award, sponsored by Wishing Well

Winner: Eamonn Phelan, Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa

Heart of House Award, sponsored by Whispering Angel

Highly commended: Kate Davies, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa

Winner: Annabelle Wilson, BeWILDerwood Cheshire

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa

Winner: Scott Hesketh, Foxxy Foods Ltd

Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Hospitality Hero

Highly commended: Carol Johnson, Overwater Marina Limited

Winner: Stephen Swiegers, Combermere Abbey Estate

One to Watch Award

Winner: Kory Bebington, Linden Stores

Head Chef of the Year sponsored by Cheshire College – South & West

Highly commended:Dion Jones, Rookery Hall

Winner: Chris Boustead, Linden Stores

Sales & Revenue Star of the Year, sponsored by Dreams Venue Dressing

Highly commended: Alison Hadaway, Champneys Mottram Hall

Winner: Jules Robinson, DevaFest

Top Team Award, sponsored by DevaFest

Highly commended: The Academy Restaurant Team, Cheshire College South & West

Winner: Overwater Marina Team

Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Mint People

Highly Commended: Anna Lebreton- Towell, DevaFest

Winner: Sarah Bentham, Champneys Mottram Hall

Judges’ Choice Award

Nick Birchall, Nantwich Cheese Shop

Cheshire East Hospitality Association Award

Richard Milkins, Cheshire East Council