RETURNING for its second year, Northern Restaurant & Bar show’s NRB Top 50 awards, in association with Kuits, took place as the first day of the Manchester Central hospitality trade show drew to a close, today (Tuesday 5 March 2013). 

50 individuals from successful and innovative hospitality operators based in the North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber were selected by a panel of experts from the Russell Partnership. Winners were recognised for their influence, impact and overall eminence within the sector. 

In addition, three special achievement winners were honoured for their exceptional accomplishments. The three individuals that won this accolade were: 

· Carlo and Marcello Distefano, San Carlo Group

Selected by the judges for the staggering success of San Carlo restaurants in the north and latterly, in London and the Middle East. A northern success story exported around the world.

· Simon Rogan, L’Enclume

Chosen by the judges for a year of unprecedented critical success: a second Michelin star and a 10/10 Good Food Guide rating, combined with an ambitious expansion plan taking in London and now Manchester.

· Stephen Miles, Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester

Selected by the judges for maintaining the highest standards at Manchester’s five star hotel, whilst giving unstinting support to industry groups and charities including founding the £30m Hotel Future training school (the UK’s first) in Oldham. 

NRB Top 50 revealed

The 50 who made it on to the second NRB Top 50 list were commended for making a significant impact in their businesses, driving commercial and critical success, creating employment, training and investment, as well as creating a profile and prestige for the region and its hospitality sector. 

The 2013 NRB Top 50 list is as follows:

· Martin Ainscough, Co-Owner, Ainscough Restaurants

· Paul Askew, Chef Patron, The London Carriageworks

· Mohammed Aslam MBE, Owner, Aagrah Group of Restaurants

· Tim Bacon & Jeremy Roberts, Managing Director & Commercial Director, Living Ventures

· Craig Bancroft & Nigel Haworth, Joint MD & Chef Patron, Northcote Manor

· Jonathan Barker, Joint Managing Director, Mitchells of Lancaster

· Simon Berry & Tim Berry, Managing Director & Director, English Lakes Hotels

· Tessa Bramley, Chef Patron, The Old Vicarage

·         Andrew Buchanan, Operations Director, Daniel Thwaites

·         Ken Buckley, Managing Director, Bravo Inns Ltd

·         Marie Carter & Beau Myers, Owners, Beautiful Drinks

·         James Crawfurd Porter, Managing Director, Tadcaster Pub Company

·         Lynne D’Arcy, Managing Director, Trust Inns Ltd

·         Morgan Davies, Co-Owner, Barburrito

·         Carlo Distefano & Marcello Distefano, Chairman and Managing Director, San Carlo Group

·         Sarah Dunning, Chief Executive, Westmorland Ltd

·         Roy Ellis & Neil Macleod, CEO & Director, Inventive Leisure

·         Mal Evans, Owner, Mojo Bars

·         Cleo Farman, Owner, Odd Bar

·         Ged Feltham, Managing Director, Leelex Ltd

·         Jobe Ferguson & Ross Mckenzie, Directors, Black Dog (and TNQ Restaurant & Bar for Jobe)

·         Duncan Fisher, Owner, The Apartment Group

·         Anthony Flinn, Chef Patron, Anthony’s Restaurant

·         David Fox & Nick Jeffrey, Owners, Tampopo

·         Jonny Heyes, Owner, Port Street Beer House

·         Richard Kershaw, Managing Director, Joseph Holts

·         Terry Laybourne MBE, Chef Patron, 21 Hospitality Group

·         William Lees Jones, Managing Director, J W Lees

·         Colin Manning & Gary Manning, Directors, 60 Hope Street

·         Vince Margiotta, Director, Il Forno & Sapporo

·         Eammon Mcloughlin, Owner, Eclectic Hotels

·         Stephen Miles, General Manager, Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester

·         Dave Mooney & Paul Newman, Owners, New Moon Pub Company

·         Si Ord, Owner, Sandinista

·         Steve Perez, Chairman, Casa Hotel

·         Andrew Pern, Chef Patron, The Star at Harome

·         Steve Pilling, Director, Damson

·         Clive Preston, Chairman, Amber Taverns

·         Peter Robinson & Oliver Robinson, Chairman and Managing Director, Frederic Robinson

·         Simon Rogan, Chef Patron, L’Enclume

·         Jonathan Slater, Managing Director, The Chester Grosvenor

·         Humphrey Smith, Owner, Samuel Smiths

·         Nick Taplin, Managing Director, Sanguine Hospitality

·         Lorna Tyson MBE, Owner, Mere Brook House

·         Richard Smith, Chef Patron, Relax Eat & Drink

·         Steven Walker, CEO, Individual Restaurant Company

·         Roger Ward, Owner, The Victorian Chophouse Compay

·         Joel Wilkinson, Owner, Trof

·         Martin Wolstencroft, Managing Director, Arc Inspirations

·         Stewart Yip, Owner, Red Chilli 

This year’s NRB Top 50 headline sponsor was Kuits Solicitors. The awards were also supported by recruitment company, Berkeley Scott, and The Russell Partnership, global food and hospitality consultancy. 

Northern Restaurant & Bar 2013

Over 200 exhibitors have gathered at Manchester Central for the 12th two-day Northern Restaurant & Bar show. Brewers, hoteliers, publicans, catering suppliers, food producers, Michelin starred chefs, drinks brands, restaurateurs and bartenders showcased everything from latest microbrewery craft ales, award winning meats, cheeses and wines through to epos systems and tableware. 

Northern Restaurant & Bar will be open for its second and final day tomorrow, Wednesday 6 March, and free tickets are available - click here.