KUITS NRB Top 50 Hospitality Power List 2026 Revealed

Returning for its thirteenth edition, the Kuits NRB Top Fifty Hospitality Power List 2026 has been unveiled at the annual Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) trade show in Manchester.

The esteemed list celebrates the top-performing and most influential hospitality operators across the North who have achieved exceptional commercial success and critical acclaim over the past year.

Three Special Achievement Awards were presented to Nell’s Pizza, Cheshire Cat Pub & Bars and Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry.

From cult favourite to Northern powerhouse, Nell’s Pizza has become synonymous with big flavours, bigger slices and unforgettable energy. Championing New York-style pizza with a fiercely independent spirit, the brand has carved out a loyal following while helping shape the modern hospitality scene across Manchester and beyond. The past year has marked another significant chapter in its growth, including the opening of a new site at MediaCity.

Upon receiving the special achievement award, Jonny Heyes, CEO at Nell’s Pizza, commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to receive this award, it came as a complete surprise. Charlotte and I have dedicated the last 20 years to building this family business and we’ve been part of the NRB community for as long as I can remember. The past 18 months has been a busy time for us with two new sites in Altrincham and MediaCity and to be recognised by our peers means the world to us.”

Over the past 15 years, Cheshire Cat Pub & Bars has established itself as one of the North’s most respected independent pub operators, recognised for its beautifully restored historic buildings, strong community ethos and elevated food and drink offering. With a portfolio that includes The Bulls Head, The Cholmondeley Arms and The Church Inn, the group continues to refine and evolve its estate while staying true to its commitment to quality, operational excellence and creating destination pubs that genuinely connect with their local communities.

Tim Bird and Mary McLaughlin, Owners of Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to win this award and so proud of the whole team. It’s always been an honour just to be mentioned in the Top 50 in previous years, so to win the Special Achievement Award really is the pinnacle. It’s been a record year for Cheshire Cat and that’s entirely down to our fantastic team and the customers who continue to support us. We always say it feels like having a big family – like having 200 children!.”

Led by Chef-Patron Mark Birchall, Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms continues to be one of the UK’s most renowned dining destinations. Over the past year, the restaurant and rooms have further reinforced their reputation for refined, produce-led cuisine and outstanding hospitality, seamlessly combining fine dining with understated luxury accommodation. Drawing visitors from across the UK and internationally, Moor Hall has firmly established the North West as a destination for exceptional culinary experiences.

Mark commented: “Thank you to the team – it’s been an incredible 12 months and, really, an incredible nine years. I feel like I’ve lived out every dream over that time, and last year was the icing on the cake. This award is really special, not just for me but for the whole team and for the North West. I’m very proud.”

New entries in the Kuits NRB Top Fifty Power List for 2026 include Cut & Craft, Shiko Group and Destination Dining Ltd. Additionally, several industry-leading operators return for another year, including Mission Mars, The Alchemist, House of Tides/Solstice by Kenny Atkinson and Bundobust.

Chris Brazier, Group Event Director for NRB26, said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil this year’s Kuits NRB Top 50 Power List, celebrating the very best in northern hospitality. The ambition, creativity and sheer determination we see from operators across the region is extraordinary.”

“This list exists to shine a light on that, and we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate the businesses and individuals who have made the North such an exciting place to eat, drink and visit over the past year.”

Robert Levy, Executive Partner at Kuits, commented: “As committed legal partners to leisure and hospitality businesses, we’re honoured to sponsor and judge the Kuits NRB Top Fifty awards that spotlight the region’s most innovative and influential operators. The North has consistently showcased outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, and NRB offers an ideal stage for celebrating its vibrant food and drink sector. We’re delighted to be involved in this occasion and congratulations to all those who are listed in the Top Fifty.”

The top fifty names are selected by an expert judging panel following a rigorous research and selection process to ensure the finalists represent the very best operators in the competitive northern hospitality scene.