The Liverpool Hospitality Association is delighted to announce the return of the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards for 2026, celebrating the outstanding individuals who power the city’s vibrant hospitality and visitor economy.
Taking place in association with headline sponsors Liverpool Accommodation BID, Liverpool ONE, Saffron Vanilla and Titanic Hotel Liverpool, the awards recognise the talented people working across Liverpool’s hospitality sector — from hotels and restaurants to bars, attractions and visitor services. The event shines a spotlight on those who demonstrate exceptional passion, dedication and commitment within one of the region’s most dynamic industries.


The 2026 awards will feature 16 categories, including Rising Star and Unsung Hero, celebrating both customer-facing staff and those working behind the scenes. In addition, the prestigious Judges’ and Chairman’s Awards — not open for public entry — will honour inspirational figures who have made a significant impact within the sector.


Peter Schriewersmann and Helen Roberts, Co-Chairs of the Liverpool Hospitality Association, said:
“The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards are more than an event; they are a celebration of the incredible people working within the Liverpool City Region’s visitor economy. These awards recognise the dedication, passion and hard work shown by individuals and teams across all areas of hospitality. Following seven successful years, we hope to welcome more nominations than ever in 2026 while continuing to raise vital funds for some fantastic charities.”


The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards proudly support both local and national charities, with all proceeds shared between Hospitality Action and a local charity. Last year’s event raised over £25,000 for good causes.


Applications for the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards 2026 are now open, with submissions accepted until midnight on Friday 27 February 2026. A full list of categories and the entry form can be found at www.liverpoolhospitality.org.uk


Stephen Ramsden, Director of headline sponsor Saffron Vanilla, commented:
“Saffron Vanilla is delighted to support the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards for the fourth consecutive year. Sponsoring this prestigious event is a real honour — not just for the industry, but for the dedicated professionals who make it thrive. From chefs and front-of-house teams to bar staff, housekeepers and office personnel, you are the true unsung heroes of this city.”


Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool Business Improvement District, added:
“Liverpool Accommodation BID is thrilled to be a joint headline sponsor of the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards 2026. Hospitality lies at the heart of Liverpool’s identity and visitor economy, and these awards celebrate the people and businesses who make our city such a welcoming and vibrant destination. We are proud to champion the sector and the talent that drives it forward.”


Liverpool ONE also joins the awards as a headline sponsor. Donna Howitt, Deputy Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“Liverpool’s greatest strength has always been its people, whose warmth and generosity of spirit create an experience unlike anywhere else. These awards provide a vital platform to recognise those who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service, helping our hospitality and retail sectors remain vibrant, resilient and future-focused.”
Finalists will be announced in early March, with winners revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on 30 April 2026, hosted by long-standing supporters Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse.

Brian Connor, General Manager, Titanic Hotel Liverpool added “As General Manager of the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, I am extremely proud that we are once again hosting and acting as a key sponsor of the Liverpool Hospitality Association People Awards. This will be the seventh time we’ve welcomed the event, and it continues to be an important fixture in our calendar. We look forward to welcoming Liverpool’s hospitality professionals back to the hotel and recognising the outstanding people who underpin the success of our industry within our city.”


Additional sponsors include The Guide Liverpool, Sugar and Lime, PIB Insurance Brokers, Wigan Beer, MSP Global, The Hospitality Hero, Red Events Creative, RW Wedding Photography and Cool Breeze Events. For sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].