KUITS NRB top 50 hospitality power list returns for 2026

The Kuits NRB Top 50 Northern Hospitality Power List is back for its thirteenth edition, and nominations for 2026 are officially open. The list celebrates northern hospitality operators who have delivered exceptional commercial and critical success over the past year, highlighting the most important and influential figures driving the region’s vibrant food and drink scene. Winners will be selected by a panel of leading industry experts, with special achievement awards also presented to recognise outstanding contributions.

The deadline for nominations is 10th November, with judging taking place on 20th November. The 2026 judging panel features top figures from across the sector, including Sam Cresswell from Uber Eats, Felicity Tulloch from Kuits Solicitors, and Mary-Ellen McTague from Eat Well MCR.

The unveiling of the full top fifty power list will take place on the first day of the Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) trade show in Manchester on Tuesday 10th March 2026, which will run alongside lunch! NORTH the Northern Café, Coffee Shop & Food-to-Go Event. Kuits Solicitors headline the awards as sponsors, with CGA by NielsenIQ, NatWest, Uber Eats, and JW Lees supporting as associate sponsors.

Last year’s list included notable new entries such as Apartment Group, Grantley Hall, Mother Mercy, Seafood Pub Company, Southern Wind Group, and Tomahawk Steakhouse. Additionally, several industry-leading operators, including Seven Bro7hers, Mission Mars and Umbel Restaurant Group, returned for another year. Three Special Achievement Awards were presented to Archie’s, The Inn Collection Group, and Joe Schofield, Daniel Schofield & James Brandwood in recognition of their exceptional impact on the hospitality sector.

Laura Parris, Event Manager for NRB26 said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of nominations for the 2026 Kuits NRB Top 50 Power List. Last year highlighted the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship that define northern hospitality, and this year promises to showcase even more trailblazers. These awards celebrate the operators shaping the future of the industry, and we can’t wait to see who will make the list for 2026.”

Head of Licensing & Leisure at Kuits Solicitors, Felicity Tulloch comments: “We are once again delighted to support The Northern Restaurant & Bar Show which provides a national stage for the North’s hospitality sector. As dedicated legal advisors to the food and drink industry, we are proud to sponsor and judge the Kuits NRB Top Fifty awards. Now in its 13th year, it’s an honour to highlight some of the most innovative and influential operators in the region.”

The Kuits NRB Top 50 Northern Hospitality Power List will be revealed at Northern Restaurant & Bar 2026, taking place on 10th-11th March at Manchester Central, marking the first major trade event of the year for the UK hospitality sector.

For further information on Kuits NRB Top 50 List and to submit a nomination please visit: https://northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk/kuits-nrb-top-50-nominations/