WELCOME TO THE CHESHIRE EAST HOSPITALITY PEOPLE AWARDS
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY
The Cheshire East Hospitality Association is excited to announce the launch of the Hospitality People Awards for 2025.
The awards, in association with Crewe Hall are a chance to celebrate the talented individuals at the heart of East Cheshire's bustling hospitality industry.
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Amidst the challenges and triumphs of our ever-evolving hospitality landscape, the Awards give us a perfect opportunity to highlight the exceptional individuals and teams who fuel our industry's resilience and innovation whilst raising vital funds for some great charities.
These awards are not just a recognition but a celebration of the heart and soul of the region's hospitality industry and we hope as many businesses as possible will make a nomination, and join us in applauding the remarkable people that make our hospitality sector truly exceptional.
The event is set to take place on Thursday, 23rd October 2025 at Crewe Hall, bringing together the best and brightest of the region's hospitality industry.
AWARDS CATEGORIES
RISING STAR AWARD
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This award recognises and celebrates young people (aged 16-24) working in hospitality and retail. The judges will be looking for a young person who has made an impact on the business that they work for, shows ambition, and can demonstrate a commitment to developing their skills and career within the industry.
FINALISTS
Kory Bebbington, Linden Stores
Lily Pitcher, BeWILDerwood Cheshire
Scott Hesketh, Foxxy Foods Ltd
HEART OF HOUSE (OPERATIONS) AWARD
This award is open to all operational staff outside senior management. The judges will be looking for evidence of excellence in team support, a commitment to self-development, a team player with impeccable product knowledge and someone who is a real asset to the business that they work for.
FINALISTS
Annabelle Wilson, BeWIlderwood Cheshire
Casey Latham, Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa
Phoebe Howells, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
Susan Stokes, BeWILDerwood Cheshire
Victoria Cooper, The Park Royal Hotel & Spa
Kate Davies, Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa
HEAD CHEF OF THE YEAR
The Head Chef of the year will be able to demonstrate the highest standards in their kitchen. Management, Compliance, Product and Pizzaz will be evident.They will be highly organised and an excellent team leader with a commitment to producing innovative food to the highest standards whilst mentoring and coaching their team.
FINALISTS
Chris Boustead, Linden Stores
Dion Jones, Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa
Gaber Ahmed, The Park Royal Hotel & Spa
Rich Lovell, Champagne + Fromage
TOP TEAM AWARD
Recognising a team that is innovative and proactive and delivers results. The team will be able to demonstrate impeccable product knowledge, show that the customer is at the heart of planning and decision making, and contribute to the financial success of the business.
FINALISTS
Crewe Hall Health Club and Spa team
Operations Team – BeWILDerwood Cheshire
Overwater Marina Team
Primrose Hill Nurseries Cafe Team
The Academy Restaurant Team, Cheshire College South and West
The Waterfront Cafe Team, Aqueduct Marina
Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa Team
Champneys Mottram Hall Hotel Sales team
JUDGES' CHOICE AWARD
This award is not open for entry. The winner will be chosen by the core judging panel from all of the entries received.
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UNSUNG HERO AWARD
Recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the business, has gone above and beyond what is expected and should be recognised for their contribution to the business. This award is open to anyone in a hospitality or retail business.
FINALISTS
Alex Knight, Spinners Arms
Carol Johnson, Overwater Marina Limited
Emily Garner, BeWILDerwood Cheshire
Nick Birchall, Nantwich Cheese Shop
Rachel Perris, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
Stephan Swiegers, Combermere Abbey Estate
Steve Murrell, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
Eva Cooper, Champneys Mottram Hall
EXCELLENCE IN FOOD SERVICE
This award is open to all customer facing food service staff, outside senior management. The judges will be looking for evidence of excellent customer service, a commitment to self-development, a team player who is also able to coach and mentor others, impeccable product knowledge and someone who is a real asset to the business that they work for.
FINALISTS
Deborah Banks, Bewilderwood Cheshire
Eamonn Phelan, Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa
Evuna Knutsford
Mia Newton, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
SALES & REVENUE STAR
This award is open to all sales and revenue staff, outside senior management. The judges will be looking for evidence meeting and exceeding targets and KPI’s coupled with excellent customer service, a commitment to self-development. A team player who is also able to coach and mentor others, impeccable product knowledge and someone who is a real asset to the business that they work for.
FINALISTS
Alison Hadaway, Champneys Mottram Hall
Jules Robinson, DevaFest
Rachel Watson, Combermere Abbey Estate
Rebecca Sands, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
MANAGER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to an individual who shows complete commitment to driving their business/department forward. Complexities around growing management requirements, team development and interaction, focus on product and standards, delivery across all areas H&S, Compliance, Training, Development and business Performance must be easily demonstrated.
FINALISTS
Anna Lebreton-Towell, DevaFest
Matt Waymont Barlow, Combermere Abbey Estate
Mia Corrie, Linden Stores
Nicola Barnett, BeWILDerwood Cheshire
Sarah Bentham, Champneys Mottram Hall
CHAIRMAN'S AWARD
This award is not open for entry. The winner will be chosen by Association.
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