One of the most popular leaders in the sector, Harper-Hinton is credited with pioneering Antipodean all-day dining and speciality coffee culture in the UK with her restaurant group Caravan.
Other awards went to Flat Iron, which was named Best Restaurant Company, Heartwood Inns, which was named Best Pub Company, and Farmer J, which was named Best QSR Company at the awards ceremony, held last night (12 March) at The Guildhall London.
Bavarian beerhall inspired Albert’s Schloss picked up Best Pub or Bar Concept while Dave’s Hot Chicken triumphed in the Emerging Concept category.
Arc Inspirations’ London debut BOX Piccadilly was the winner of Best New Opening, following its impressive launch on Shaftesbury Avenue, and Deal of the Year went to industry favourite Dishoom, which has been backed by L Catterton in a deal valuing the Bombay-inspired restaurant group at £300m that will fund further growth in the UK and US.
Pizza Pilgrims scooped two awards, taking Best Use of Tech as well as the Sustainability Award.
Lifetime Achievement went to Fuller’s executive chairman Simon Emeny. Emeny, who was the first non-family member to take the reins at this historic 180-year-old brewer and pub operator, was credited for having focused on modernisation and premiumisation during his leadership, investing in food-led pubs and hotels, and expanding outside London with strategic acquisitions.
Full list of winners
Emerging Concept - Dave’s Hot Chicken – sponsored by Greene King
Best New Opening – BOX piccadilly – sponsored by Chapman Ventilation
Best Pub Company – Heartwood Inns – sponsored by Aspall Cyder
Best Bar or Pub Concept – Albert’s Schloss
Best Coffee Shop or Bakery Operator – WatchHouse – sponsored by Dojo
Best Restaurant Company – Flat Iron – sponsored by Sona
Deal of the year – Dishoom backed by L Catterton - sponsored by AlixPartners
Best Use of Tech – Pizza Pilgrims – sponsored by Nory
Best QSR Brand – Farmer J – sponsored by Venners
Best Hotel Group – The Pig
International Expansion Award – Hawksmoor - sponsored by Deliverect
Leader of the Year – Laura Harper-Hinton – sponsored by UberEats
Diversity Leadership Programme - Incipio Group – sponsored by Carlsberg Britvic
Rising Star - Hayley Patterson, head of operations, Punch Pubs & Co
Sustainability Award - Pizza Pilgrims – sponsored by Pernod Ricard
Lifetime Achievement - Simon Emeny, executive chairman, Fuller’s – sponsored by Brakes