Chester Hospitality People Awards 2026 Finalists Revealed
The Chester Hospitality Association is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Chester Hospitality People Awards.
Now firmly established as one of the city’s standout industry celebrations, the awards – held in association with The Hospitality Hero, Chester Race Company and Horseradish – recognise the exceptional people who make Chester’s hospitality scene one of the most vibrant and welcoming in the UK.
From chefs and front-of-house teams to rising stars and behind-the-scenes heroes, the awards celebrate the dedication, passion and professionalism that continue to drive the sector forward across the region.
Steven Hesketh, Chair of Chester Hospitality Association, said:
“The Chester Hospitality People Awards continue to grow year after year, and the quality of nominations for 2026 has been truly outstanding. We have been incredibly impressed by the level of talent, innovation and commitment shown across the industry.
These awards are about recognising the individuals and teams who go above and beyond every single day to create unforgettable experiences for guests and visitors to Chester. This year’s shortlist once again reflects the strength and resilience of our hospitality community, and we are thrilled to celebrate so many deserving finalists.”
Rupert Worden, Group Catering Director at Chester Race Company, said:
“We are delighted to once again host the Chester Hospitality People Awards. The event has become a fantastic showcase for the city’s hospitality sector and a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the talented individuals and teams who consistently deliver excellence across Chester.”
This year’s awards feature 14 categories, including Rising Star, Unsung Hero, Front of House Award, Heart of House Award, Chef of the Year and Top Team Award.
New for 2026, members of the public will also have the opportunity to help decide this year’s winners through a public vote, which will contribute towards the final judging results. Supporters can cast their votes via the awards website – www.chesterhospitalityassociation.co.uk/chapeopleawards – until midnight on Thursday 4th June. Winners will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony taking place at Chester Racecourse on Thursday 2nd July 2026.
The 2026 awards are supported by The Hospitality Hero, Horseradish, Chester Race Company, Sugar & Lime, Marketing Cheshire, Chester BID, Chester Ghost Tours, Laurent Perrier, Cool Breeze Events, ASG, The Northern Guide, Ryan Williams Photography & Vivid Floral Design
The full list of finalists is as follows:
Excellence in Bar Service Award
Alexander Arunchot, Bartender – Barlounge Ltd
Andreas Bildt, Bartender – Shrub
Boris Filip, Beverage Manager/ Head Sommelier – The Chester Grosvenor
Daniel Carine, Bartender – Rooftop Social Club
Gianni Clayton, Bartender – Lockwood & Company
Robert Barbet, Duty Manager – Lockwood and Company
Sam Rushforth, Instore Trainer – Barlounge
William Amphlett, Bartender – tbc*
Excellence in Food Service Award
Caitlin Unsworth, Front of House – Shrub
Carys Shaw, Head Waitress – Restaurant 209
Chloe Holland, Server & Host – Barlounge Ltd
Davidson Drakes-Jarrett, Server – Upstairs at the Grill
Niamh Froud, Front of House/Waitress – The Architect
Front of House Award
Abi Sandford, Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager – Carden Park Hotel
Ayebakuro Ifamo, Floor Runner – Lockwood and Company
Charlotte Davis, Floor Team – tbc*
Rita Obeng, Front of House Assistant – Chester Townhouse Hotel
Ruby Mort – Rooftop Social Club
Heart of House Award
Laura Evans, Head of Housekeeping – Chester Townhouse Hotel
Shirley Jones, Clubhouse Cleaner – Carden Park Hotel
Vicky Ash, Accounts Assistant – Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port / Cheshire Oaks
Rising Star Award
Ashleigh Egan, Guest Service Assistant – Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port / Cheshire Oaks
Freya Mulholland, Assistant Manager – The Architect
Harry Goodwin, Assistant Manager – The Architect
Jay Potts, Frier Apprentice – Fish And Chips At Weston Grove
Jess Hesketh, Marketing Assistant – Chester Townhouse Hotel
Liberty Mitchell – Rooftop Social Club
Lucian Otves, Front of House – Chefs table
Rachel Bell-King, F&B Supervisor – Chester Cathedral
Unsung Hero Award
Alice Rose, Events and Services Coordinator – Chester Cathedral
Curtis Hall, Assistant General Manager – Rooftop Social Club
James Earl, Maintenance Team Member – Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port / Cheshire Oaks
Kieran Mchugh, Assistant General Manager – Lockwood & Company
Laura Allison, Food & Beverage – Chester Zoo
Maxine Braithwaite-Mitchell, Front of House Manager – Chester Townhouse Hotel
Sophie Bestwick, FOH / Duty Manager – Chefs table
Sales and Revenue Star of the Year
Jack Lovatt, Bartender – Rooftop Social Club
Paige Coaley, Sales & Events Coordinator – Chester Cathedral
Will Davies, Bartender – Lockwood and Company
Zara Abraham, Sales & Events Manager – Opera Grill
Zoey Kavanagh, Reservations Assistant – Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port / Cheshire Oaks
Chef of the Year
Dill Jones, Chef – Chester Townhouse Hotel
Elise Woods, Chef – Shrub
Liam Dicks, Commis Chef – Restaurant 209
Michael Thomas, Chef de Partie – Barlounge Ltd
Head Chef of the Year
Felix Shore, Exec Chef – Restaurant 209
Harri Williams, Executive Head Chef – Carden Park Hotel
Liam Mckay, Head Chef – Chefs table
Pete Ellis, Exec Chef – Shrub
Manager of the Year Award
Abbie Johnson, Assistant General Manager – FW Industries
Alex Powell, Floor Manager – Shrub
Anna Roseblade-Shore, Manager – Restaurant 209
Bartosz Karlinski, Senior Deputy Manager – The Architect
Benjamin Alabaster, General Manager – Liquor and Co.
Ethan Harrison, Assistant Manager – Barlounge
Gary Brunt, General Manager – Opera Grill
Giulio Caprera, Assistant Manager – Upstairs at the Grill
Jack Venables, General Manager – Lockwood and Company + Rooftop Social Club Lockwood and Company + Rooftop Social Club
Natasha Anderson, F&B Events Operations – Manager Chester Zoo
Tyler Beaumont, Assistant General Manager – Craft & Company
Top Team Award
Bar Team – Craft and Company
Events Team – Chester Zoo Chester Zoo
Front Of House Team – Opera Grill Opera Grill
Bar Team – Kahiki
Rooftop Team – Rooftop Social Club
Bar Team – tbc*
Chef’s Table Team – Chefs Table
Breakfast Team – Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port / Cheshire Oaks Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port / Cheshire Oaks
For further information on the awards or sponsorship opportunities contact katie@coolbreezeagency.com.