Chester Hospitality People Awards Winners Revealed!
The annual Chester Hospitality People Awards, sponsored by Saffron Vanilla, Chester Race Company and Horseradish returned on Friday evening for their 2025 ceremony, recognizing the best of the city’s hospitality sector. Attended by guests from Chester’s vibrant hospitality community, the event showcased the remarkable talents and contributions of individuals and establishments shaping the city’s ever-evolving landscape.
Held at Chester Racecourse and presented by tv legend Lucy Meacock a total of 16 awards were presented and seven highly commended mentions. Steven Hesketh, chair of the Chester Hospitality Association said “We are delighted to honour the remarkable achievements of Chester’s hospitality professionals at the third Chester Hospitality Association People Awards, After the success of our previous awards, we’re absolutely thrilled to once again celebrate the vast hospitality talent and amazing venues we have in this city. A huge congratulations to all our nominees and winners!”
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. Amongst the big winners on night was iKO Projects with their team taking home a total of four awards, whilst Rowton Hall Hotel went home with two accolades.
Rupert Worden, Group Catering Director at Chester Racecourse, said: “The Chester Hospitality People Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals driving Chester’s vibrant hospitality scene. This year’s awards have highlighted the immense talent and passion of our winners and nominees, whose invaluable contributions continue to shape our city’s exceptional landscape. Chester Race Company isproud to support these awards celebrating those who contribute to the outstanding customer service that defines our city.”
Stephen Ramsden, Director of awards sponsor, Saffron Vanilla, said ”As a leading hospitality staff agency, we’re thrilled to be able to be a part of the Chester Hospitality Association People Awards for a second year running. It was a fantastic night, congratulations to all involved. We managed to raise lots of money for the charity but most importantly we have been able to help recognise the great hospitality workers in our industry. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners you deserve all the recognition.”
The full list of award winners were:
Barista of the Year, sponsored by Chester Ghost Tours – Winner: Valdyslav Kostash, High Coffee Bar
Excellence in Bar Service, sponsored by Chance Cider – Winner: Ash Scott, Liquour & Co
Excellence in Food Service, sponsored by Horseradish – Winner: Jay Mountain, Barlounge
Highly commended: Thomas Crown, The Forge Chester
Front of House Award, sponsored by Chester BID – Winner: Maxine Mitchell, Rowton Hall Hotel
Highly commended: Eliza Boardman, The Queen at Chester
Heart of House Award, sponsored by Vivid Floral Design – Winner: Gemma Turver, The Goshawk
Highly commended: Sue Morton, Carden Park Hotel & Spa
Rising Star Award, sponsored by LWC – Winner: Max Gordon, Rooftop Social Club
Highly commended: Rita Obeng, Townhouse Chester
Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by The Hospitality Hero – Winner: Emma Page-Hibbs, Chester Cathedral
Chef of the Year, sponsored by Saffron Vanilla – Winner: Felix Shore, Restaurant 209
Highly commended: Tom Bennett, Rowton Hall Hotel
Head Chef of the Year, sponsored by Sugar & Lime – Winner: Matt Jencitis, Rowton Hall Hotel
Sales & Revenue Star, sponsored by Visit Chester – Winner: Jules Robinson, Townhouse Chester
Top Team Award, sponsored by Chester Race Company – Winner: Academy West Tutors & Support Staff
Highly commended: Team Artezzan
Manager of the Year, sponsored by Wrexham Lager – Winner: Sean Lane, The Forge Restaurant
Highly commended: Emma Gouldson, Salt House Chester
One To Watch, sponsored by Laurent Perrier – Winner: Liberty Mitchell, Rooftop Social Club
Judges’ Choice Award – Winner: Venue Sales Team, Chester Zoo
Special Recognition Award – Winner: Nicola Hesketh, Townhouse Chester
Chester Hospitality Association Chairman’s Award: Winners: Ian Gordon, iKO Projects and Hamish Ferguson, Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
The awards were sponsored by Saffron Vanilla, Chester Race Company, Horseradish, The Hospitality Hero, Sugar & Lime, Chester BID, Visit Chester, The Northern Guide and Chester Ghost Tours. The businesses who supported the awards include Cool Breeze Events, RW Photography, CSP AV, Wrexham Lager, Chance Cider, Vivid Floral Designs, LWC, Laurent Perrier, HN Nuttalls, Bicks, Ribble Farm and My Fish. The awards also raised funds for Hospitality Action and Share Aid Chester.
The Chester Hospitality Association 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 Chester’s dynamic industry.