WELCOME TO THE CHESHIRE EAST HOSPITALITY PEOPLE AWARDS
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY
The Cheshire East Hospitality Association is delighted to announce that the Hospitality People Awards are returning for 2026.
In association with Crewe Hall, the awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding people who are the driving force behind East Cheshire's vibrant hospitality industry.
As our sector continues to evolve, these awards provide an opportunity to recognise the passion, dedication and innovation shown by individuals and teams across the region. They also help raise vital funds for a number of fantastic local charities, making the celebration even more meaningful.
From front-of-house stars and talented chefs to inspiring leaders and rising stars, the Cheshire East Hospitality People Awards celebrate the people whose hard work, commitment and enthusiasm make our hospitality industry thrive.
We encourage businesses from across the region to submit nominations and join us in recognising the remarkable people who make East Cheshire's hospitality sector so special.
The 2026 awards ceremony will take place at Crewe Hall on Thursday, 15th October 2026, bringing together the very best of the region's hospitality community for an unforgettable evening of celebration.
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.
FRONT OF HOUSE AWARD
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This award is open to customer facing all front of house staff outside senior management, for example food and beverage, front desk, concierge, sales & events. The judges will be looking for evidence of excellent customer service, 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.
EXCELLENCE IN BAR SERVICE
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This award is open to all those customer facing bar 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.
HEAD CHEF
OF THE YEAR
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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.
JUDGES' CHOICE AWARD
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This award is not open for entry. The winner will be chosen by the core judging panel from all of the entries received.
HOSPITALITY APPRENTICE AWARD
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This award recognises the skills and expertise of apprentices (aged 16-24) in front or heart of house roles. It is open to those working in hospitality organisations including bars, restaurants, cafés, conference centres, banqueting venues, hotels and contract caterers who can demonstrate how the apprentice has applied their learning to their role, and has a passion for exceeding expectations.
HEART OF HOUSE AWARD
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This award is open to back of house staff outside senior management, for example kitchen assistants, accounts, social media/web, cleaners and cellar/stock style roles. 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.
EXCELLENCE IN FOOD SERVICE
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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.
BARISTA
OF THE YEAR
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This award is open to all those experts in all things coffee and service. From our array of high street brands to our quirky independents, we are looking for the finest Barista. The judges will be looking for evidence of product knowledge and excellent customer service, a commitment to self-development and who is also able to coach and mentor others.
SALES & REVENUE STAR
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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.
MANAGER
OF THE YEAR
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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.
CHAIRMAN'S
AWARD
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This award is not open for entry. The winner will be chosen by Association.