Dishoom, Loungers, Pizza Pilgrims, Mission Mars and wagamama were revealed as some of the UK’s best restaurants, pubs and bars at the 7^th annual Casual Dining Awards last night (25th April) at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.

Hawksmoor, Nando’s, Bill’s, Brightside, Blacklock, Caravan, Bundobust, All Bar One, Albert’s Schloss and Inamo were among the other leading brands who took home prestigious awards. These covered everything from New Concept of the Year and Sustainable Operator to Employer of the Year and Menu Innovation.

Stephen Herring, Event Manager of the Casual Dining Awards & the Casual Dining show, says: “The Casual Dining Awards surpassed all expectations. It provided an excellent platform for the dynamic, passionate, and innovative operators in this industry to unite and celebrate their achievements. It is inspiring to see the drive and commitment within this resilient sector. Thank you to the sponsors, judges, nominees and congratulations to all the deserving winners!”

Thomas Heier, the CEO of wagamama commented “The Casual Dining Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements across the industry. It is important to celebrate the consistent hard work and dedication that goes into growing and developing the hospitality sector at our industry awards.” 

Jane O’Riordan, chair of Caravan, Turtle Bay and Red Engine, received the prestigious Special Award for her extraordinary contribution and commitment to the casual dining industry.

O’Riordan is also the chair of the innovation working group within the government’s Hospitality Sector Council to help encourage change through new processes and increase productivity. Previous winners include Mark McCulloch, founder of Hospitality Rising, Peter Martin, founder of Peach 20/20, and Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive, UKHospitality.

James & Thom Elliot, founders of Pizza Pilgrims, were popular winners of the Trailblazer of the Year Award (sponsored by Uber Eats). They had an evening to remember also picking up awards for Restaurant Brand of the Year (20-50 sites) and Brand Marketing of the Year. 

The Casual Dining Awards winners in full:

Special Award

Jane O’Riordan

Trailblazer of the Year – Sponsored by Uber Eats

James & Thom Elliot

Legendary Brand – Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Europacific Partners

All Bar One

New Concept of the Year – Sponsored by PIB Insurance Brokers

Brightside

Opening of the Year – Sponsored by Bidfood 

Caravan – Covent Garden

Sustainable Operator – Sponsored by Amber

Hawksmoor

Employer of the Year (1-49 sites) – Sponsored by Howden

Dishoom

Employer of the Year (50+ sites) – Sponsored by Goldstar Chefs

Nando’s

Menu Innovation (1-25 sites) – Sponsored by Fresh Direct

Bundobust

Menu Innovation (26+ sites) – Sponsored by Reynolds

wagamama

Brand Marketing of the Year – Sponsored by IPW1

Pizza Pilgrims

Best Use of Technology – Sponsored by HGEM

Inamo

Best Designed Site of the Year – Sponsored by Brakes

Faber-Hammersmith with Natalie Waldron Design

Best Family Dining Experience – Sponsored by IPW1

Bill’s

Pub/Bar Brand of the Year (1-49 sites) – Sponsored by SIM Fit-Out

Albert’s Schloss

Pub/Bar Brand of the Year (50+ sites) – Sponsored by Birrificio Angelo Poretti

Lounge

Restaurant Brand of the Year (1-19 sites) – Sponsored by Howden Insurance UK

Blacklock

Restaurant Brand of the Year (20-50 sites) – Sponsored by Boutinot

Pizza Pilgrims

Restaurant Brand of the Year (51+ sites) – Sponsored by Red Bull

wagamama

Casual Dining Group of the Year – Sponsored by St Pierre

Mission Mars

For further information, including the full list of winners, finalists, and judges, please visit www.cdawards.co.uk.