Categories

The Best Social Media Award recognises hospitality venues that excel in connecting with their audience online. This accolade celebrates creativity, consistency, and engagement across social platforms, highlighting establishments that use social media to tell their story, showcase their offerings, and build a loyal community of followers. From clever campaigns and striking visuals to engaging videos and authentic interactions, this award honours those who harness the power of social media to inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting digital impression.

The Community Impact Award celebrates venues that go beyond hospitality to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve. This accolade honours establishments that act as pillars of their community, whether by supporting LGBTQ+ spaces, championing independent music and culture, providing a welcoming hub for local groups, or delivering essential support to wider neighbourhoods. Recognising inclusivity, outreach, and genuine social commitment, this award highlights venues that foster connection, uplift their communities, and create spaces where everyone feels valued and seen.

The Sustainability in Action Award recognises hospitality venues that are leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. This accolade celebrates establishments that actively reduce their ecological footprint through initiatives such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, ethical sourcing, and community-focused green projects. Honouring innovation, commitment, and measurable impact, this award highlights venues that not only care for the planet but also inspire others in the industry to adopt more sustainable practices, proving that great hospitality and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Recognising excellence in customer service, this award celebrates establishments that consistently go above and beyond to prioritise customer satisfaction. Honouring those who excel in responsiveness, communication, and problem resolution, the Best Customer Service Award highlights a commitment to fostering positive customer experiences and building lasting relationships.

This is always a popular category and one of the hardest to judge. We want to celebrate the restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and more which have made their dreams a reality - recognising the hard work and passion that goes into opening a business. This category applies to businesses which are within their first 1-2 years of trading.

The Leeds Best Hotel Restaurant award celebrates outstanding dining experiences within the city’s hotels. This accolade recognises establishments that combine exceptional cuisine, creative menus, and impeccable service with the unique hospitality and atmosphere that only a hotel setting can provide. From luxurious breakfasts to elegant dinners, the winning venue delivers memorable experiences for both guests and locals alike, setting the standard for culinary excellence in Leeds’ hotel scene.

Whether it's a chic urban hotspot or a cosy neighbourhood gem, the Best Bar Award honours the establishments that elevate the art of bartending, delivering not just amazing drinks, but an immersive journey for every visitor. Join us in raising a glass to the bars that redefine the standard and set the bar high.

This category celebrates establishments that redefine the art of gastronomy, blending exceptional flavours with an inviting ambiance. From artisanal coffee houses to charming delis, contenders in this category embody the spirit of culinary innovation and customer satisfaction. Judges will scrutinise menu creativity, quality of ingredients, and the overall dining experience.

This prestigious award recognises a chef who embodies the spirit of gastronomic artistry, demonstrating unparalleled skill, creativity, and leadership in the kitchen. From crafting exquisite dishes that tantalise the palate to inspiring culinary trends, the Chef of the Year is a visionary force shaping the world of gastronomy. This award not only acknowledges exceptional culinary prowess but also applauds a chef's ability to inspire, mentor, and elevate the entire culinary community.

Indulge in opulent gastronomy and impeccable service with our Best Fine Dining Experience award. This prestigious accolade celebrates establishments that consistently demonstrate culinary excellence through refined techniques, premium ingredients, and thoughtfully crafted menus. Judged on exceptional food quality, precision in execution, attentive and knowledgeable service, and a sophisticated, cohesive ambiance, this award recognises venues that deliver a seamless and memorable dining journey. From presentation to palate, every detail should reflect the highest standards, creating an experience where fine dining is truly elevated to an art form.

The Unsung Hero Award shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals whose hard work often goes unnoticed but is vital to the success of every hospitality venue. This accolade honours the prep chefs, cleaners, barbacks, porters, and countless behind the scenes team members who consistently go above and beyond to keep operations running seamlessly. Celebrating reliability, commitment, and an exceptional work ethic, this award recognises those who contribute silently yet significantly to creating outstanding guest experiences. It is a heartfelt tribute to the quiet champions who form the backbone of the industry.

Celebrating the pinnacle of culinary excellence in the city, the Leeds Best Restaurant award honours an establishment that truly defines outstanding dining. This accolade recognises venues that combine exceptional food quality, creative menus, and masterful cooking with a welcoming atmosphere and polished service. From the moment guests arrive to the final bite, the winning restaurant will offer a memorable experience that reflects Leeds’ vibrant and diverse food scene. This award is for the restaurant that not only serves remarkable cuisine, but also leaves a lasting impression on every guest. This category is open to entries, but will also be compiled from all entries from other restaurant categories.

This brand new award honours a street food vendor or stall that delivers exceptional flavours, creativity, and quality in every bite. From bold flavours to outstanding presentation, the winning vendor embodies the spirit of street food, delivering great taste and value that leaves customers coming back for more.

This award acknowledges celebrates a pub that stands out for its exceptional atmosphere, quality drinks, and welcoming service. This venue combines great hospitality with a vibrant setting, offering a diverse selection of beverages and creating an unforgettable experience for customers, making it a standout in the community.

A brand-new addition to this year’s awards, the “Best in Glass” accolade celebrates the establishments that set the standard for exceptional beverage curation. This award recognises venues that offer an outstanding wine list, expertly crafted cocktail menu, or an impressive beer lineup, showcasing quality, creativity, and thoughtful selection. Honouring those who demonstrate deep knowledge, innovation, and a passion for great drinks, this award highlights menus that not only complement the dining experience but stand out in their own right. From rare finds to signature creations, the winner will be a venue where every glass tells a story.

Recognising excellence in the culinary realm, the Best Takeaway Award celebrates establishments that elevate the art of takeout. From delectable flavours to seamless packaging, this category honours those who redefine the takeaway experience, delivering exceptional dishes with unparalleled convenience, making dining at home a gourmet delight.