The nationwide brand won the inaugural Consumer Choice award, based on customer satisfaction data from Lumina Intelligence, as well as Leader of the Year for CEO Roisin Currie.
Another double winner at the awards - which are run by Restaurant’s sister title MCA - was Urban Pubs & Bars, the entrepreneurial operator founded by Nick Pring and Malc Heap, which is tipped to continue its impressive expansion streak, with wins for Best Pub/Bar Company as well as Rising Star for up-and-coming divisional director Ben Atkinson.
Previously known as the Retailers’ Retailer Awards, the MCA Hospitality Awards celebrates the best multisite brands across the pub, bar, restaurant, QSR and food to go sectors, nominations and winners are decided by voting from the leaders.
The Best Pub or Bar Concept was clinched by ever popular The Devonshire, which remains the talk of London some 18 months after opening.
One of the highest growth segments of the sector, Wingstop UK saw off stiff competition in Best QSR Company, off the back of its £400m mega sale to private equity group Sixth Street.
Bavarian-inspired beer palace Albert’s Schloss kept up its impressive winning streak, with another MCA award under Best New Opening for its long-awaited London opening.
Best Restaurant Company saw a competitive shortlist, but the winner went to several-times nominee Pizza Pilgrims.
For a second year running, Best Coffee Shop or Café Group category went to Gail’s Bakery which has plans to open 40-50 new sites this year alone.
Lifetime Achievement, decided by MCA editor Finn Scott-Delany, was awarded to City and Capital Pub Company founder Clive Watson.
With a 30-year career in the pub sector, Watson has set up and led the boards of several public companies, raising substantial equity funding and multimillion-pound returns for his investors.
Most recently he secured a sale of City Pub Company to Young’s for £162m. He is currently working with the founder of cricket social concept Sixes, which has plans to open 10 sites by 2026.
Celebrating the remarkable growth of immersive, games-oriented concepts meanwhile, Best Experiential Concept went to Flight Club, the Red Engine-operated darts concept which is now in its tenth year.
In M&A and investment, Deal of the Year was won for TDR Capital’s acquisition of a majority stake in fast-growing fried chicken QSR concept Popeyes.
Tipped for future success in the Emerging Concept category was Brother Marcus, a three-strong all-day dining concept celebrating the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean.
In Best use of Technology, the UK’s biggest pub group Stonegate was picked by voters for its consumer loyalty app and media network MiXR.
Best Omnichannel Brand, which recognises businesses that have diversified into new channels such as digital, delivery and retail was won by wagamama for its Soul Club loyalty app, optimised delivery business and retail range.
The Diversity Leadership Programme, which recognises the business which has done the most to demonstrate its commitment to promoting and supporting employees from under-represented and minority backgrounds on their journey from the front line to the boardroom, was decided with specialist judging support from COREcruitment, Be Inclusive Hospitality and Leathwaite.
The winner was Caravan, the well-travelled all-day restaurant and coffee operator which has put diversity & inclusion at the heart of its people culture.
The Sustainability Award, the final of a trio of special judged categories, with support from experts from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, Net Zero Now, and the Zero Carbon Forum, was won by Wahaca. A pioneer of sustainable practices in hospitality, Wahaca continues to lead the way with progressive initiatives to reduce its environmental impact – and innovation to inspire its peers.
“Wholehearted congratulations to all our winners and nominees,” says MCA editor Finn Scott-Delany.
“All the businesses shortlisted should be applauded for the huge contribution they make, not just to the economy, but in shaping the experiences and memories of millions of guests who walk through their doors each year.
“These awards celebrate the innovation, resilience and accomplishments that define this fantastic and always evolving industry. What makes them even more special is the nominations and the final decisions are voted for by the leaders, entrepreneurs and key partners who make hospitality tick.”