Applications Open Now!

Celebrate the people, venues and ideas driving UK hospitality forward – submit your application or nominate a colleague and ensure the industry’s standout talent gets the recognition it deserves.

Applications are now officially open for the 2027 Bar Magazine Awards – and this is your moment to step forward, celebrate your team, and recognise the people shaping the future of hospitality.

Each year, these awards spotlight the individuals and venues raising the bar across the UK, from visionary leaders and creative mixologists to the teams working tirelessly behind the scenes. Whether you’re driving innovation, delivering unforgettable guest experiences, or championing sustainability and inclusion, there’s a category that reflects the impact you’ve made over the past 12 months.

Applying isn’t just about winning; it’s about telling your story. It’s a chance to showcase your achievements, benchmark your success against the best in the industry and gain recognition from an expert panel that understands what excellence truly looks like. For many, being shortlisted alone can elevate profiles, boost team morale and open doors to new opportunities.

Equally important is taking the time to nominate your peers and colleagues. Hospitality thrives on collaboration, and behind every successful venue are individuals whose dedication often goes unrecognised. From inspiring Venue Managers and boundary-pushing Mixologists to the Unsung Heroes who keep everything running smoothly, these awards are an opportunity to give credit where it’s due.

With categories spanning leadership, creativity, sustainability, inclusivity, and overall venue excellence, the 2027 awards promise to celebrate the very best our industry has to offer. So, whether you’re putting your own name forward or championing someone else’s achievements, now is the time to get involved and make sure outstanding work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Best Venue Manager

This award honours an exceptional Venue Manager who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in guiding their team and venue to success. Judged by an expert panel, nominees will be evaluated on their innovative strategies, leadership skills, and the successful execution of ideas that have driven business growth over the past 12 months. This award celebrates those whose vision and dedication have made a significant impact on their venue’s success.

Best Mixologist

Celebrating the finest talent in UK mixology, this award recognises an exceptional mixologist who truly embodies the spirit of hospitality. The judging panel will evaluate nominees based on their expertise, creativity, innovation, willingness to experiment, and undeniable flair behind the bar. This award highlights those who push the boundaries of cocktail creation and elevate the guest experience to new heights.

Marketing Innovation

At the heart of every successful venue is a forward-thinking marketing team. This award celebrates the creative minds who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to craft a standout brand through innovative strategies. Nominees will be recognised for their ability to drive business success over the past 12 months by thinking outside the box and making a lasting impact in the marketplace. It’s a tribute to those whose marketing efforts have set their venue apart and led to measurable growth.

Best Dining Concept

This award celebrates venues that offer exceptional culinary experiences, driving both innovation and revenue. Our expert panel will recognise the passion, creativity, and meticulous planning that Food and Beverage teams invest in crafting outstanding dining concepts. It’s a tribute to the venues that elevate gastronomy, delivering unforgettable meals that leave a lasting impression on guests and contribute to their overall success.

The Environment Award

This award celebrates the leaders in the hospitality industry who are making significant strides in sustainability and environmental responsibility. It honours those trailblazers who are setting the bar high with innovative practices and a strong commitment to a greener future. The expert panel will assess venues that prioritise environmental impact, recognising their efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world. It’s a recognition of those who are driving positive change and inspiring others to follow suit.

Unsung Hero

The Unsung Hero Award celebrates a hospitality professional who consistently goes above and beyond to contribute to the success of a venue. Whether it’s a Front of House team member, Sommelier, Maître d’, Barback, Receptionist, or any other essential role, this award shines a light on those whose hard work and dedication often go unrecognised. Nominated by their colleagues, these individuals are the backbone of the venue, always going the extra mile to deliver exceptional guest experiences and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Best Hospitality Group

This award shines a light on the industry’s powerhouses—those dynamic hospitality groups with multiple venues under their belt. The expert panel will evaluate groups that have demonstrated exceptional business success over the past 12 months, showcasing growth, innovation, and consistency across their various locations. This award celebrates those who have mastered the art of managing and elevating multiple venues, contributing to the wider hospitality landscape with their impactful and successful operations.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a hospitality professional whose exceptional contributions have shaped the industry over the course of their entire career. This award celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact through their unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to the hospitality sector. It’s a tribute to those whose careers have set new standards, inspired others, and left an enduring legacy in the industry.

Venue of the Year

The ultimate accolade for a venue that has truly stood out in the past year. The Venue of the Year Award recognises excellence in every aspect of operation—from service and design to innovation and customer experience. Judged by an expert panel, this prestigious award celebrates a venue that has consistently delivered exceptional quality, making a significant impact on the hospitality industry. It’s a tribute to those that set the standard for what a top-tier venue should be and have earned their place as leaders in the field.

Inclusive Employer Award

This award recognises outstanding achievements in fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment within the sector. This prestigious award honours the venues and teams that have made a profound impact by embedding diversity and equality into the core of their operations. Whether through innovative initiatives, inclusive hiring practices, or creating spaces where every individual feels heard, valued and respected, the recipients exemplify leadership in driving positive change. Their unwavering commitment sets a powerful example for the industry, demonstrating that embracing diversity is key to building a thriving and sustainable hospitality environment for all.

You can apply or nominate a colleague for the Bar Magazine Awards 2027 at: barmagazineawards.co.uk/apply