Manchester’s hospitality sector shines at prestigious northern awards

The Kuits NRB Top Fifty Hospitality Power List 2024 was unveiled today at the opening of the annual Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) trade show in Manchester.

The show, at Manchester Central, brings together all of the big names across Manchester and the North of England’s hospitality sector.

Judged by a panel of northern hospitality experts, the list recognises the top-performing and most influential hospitality operators from across the north who have excelled both commercially and critically over the past twelve months.

It’s been a huge year for Manchester’s hospitality sector, some good, some bad, some incredible.

It is without a doubt one of the most difficult times to be setting up shop as a restaurant, bar or pub.

So appearing on this list is no mean feat, and is a cause for celebration for the city’s culinary scene.

Despite tricky times, there have been loads of incredible openings last year serving world-class food.

Here are this year’s big winners.

Manchester winners on the Kuits NRB Top Fifty Hospitality Power List

Notable entries from Manchester include A Very Inc. (The Firehouse/Ramona), Common & Co, Higher Ground, Madre, Mission Mars, NQ64 and Seven Bro7hers.

Siobhan Thompson, Event Manager for NRB24

Siobhan Thompson, Event Manager for NRB24 said: “We are delighted to reveal this year’s highly anticipated Kuits NRB Top 50 Power List.

“Now in its eleventh year, the awards continue to shine a well-deserved spotlight on hospitality operators who excel in the industry and help cement the north as a leading hospitality destination,

“The current climate of the industry makes this list even more pertinent, showcasing the resilience of Northern hospitality during challenging times for the sector.”

“From independent breweries through to Michelin-starred establishments, each of the fifty has continued to pivot and evolve through the well-documented challenges to the industry, and we’re excited to see what they go on to achieve for the rest of the year.”

Felicity Tulloch, Head of Licensing & Partner at Kuits

Felicity Tulloch, Head of Licensing & Partner at Kuits, commented: “Once again, the judges were incredibly impressed with the standard of entrepreneurship and innovation shown by the hospitality sector in the North.

“It was a difficult job to narrow the list down to 50 as there are so many talented individuals in the sector so congratulations to all those who are listed and we look forward to seeing your businesses continue to grow.”

New entries in the Kuits NRB Top Fifty Power List for 2024 include: Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, House of Tides / Solstice by Kenny Atkinson, Schofield Brothers, Rockingham Group, Kelham Island Brewery & Leah’s Yard, and Seven Bro7hers, and The Star at Harome/Star Inn The City also returns for 2024.

The top fifty names are selected by an expert judging panel following rigorous research and selection processes to ensure the finalists represent the very best operators in the competitive northern hospitality scene.

Headline sponsors for the awards are Kuits Solicitors, with CGA by NielsenIQ, Natwest Commercial & Private Banking, JW Lees and Uber Eats also named as Associate Sponsors for the prestige list.

About NRB

NRB brings together operators and suppliers, promoting, representing and leading the sector in the North.

NRB provides an opportunity for leading operators, suppliers and industry figures to meet, speak and do business.

From Liverpool to Leeds, the North East to North West and the Lake District to the Peak District, NRB brings the cream of the hospitality industry to Manchester Central every year.

You can find out more on their website by clicking here