Returning for its twelfth edition, the Kuits NRB Top Fifty Hospitality Power List 2025 was unveiled yesterday (11th March) at the opening of 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. Its release coincides with new data from CGA, highlighting that the North of England showed greater resilience and growth in the hospitality sector in 2024, surpassing the South in both site expansion and customer feedback.
Brothers Ryan and Craig Blackburn, behind Michelin-starred Ambleside restaurants The Old Stamp House, and newly awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant The Schelly, were among those recognised in this high prestigious list.
Each year the list is judged by a panel of hospitality experts from across the north of England, who undertake a rigorous research and selection process to ensure finalists represent the very best operators in the highly competitive northern hospitality scene. The culmination of this process reveals a final list that recognises the hospitality operators who have each demonstrated growth and resilience in the last year.
Craig Blackburn, co-owner of The Old Stamp House and The Schelly, expressed his thoughts on receiving recognition: “Ryan and I are always surprised when we receive any form of acknowledgement. We both continually do the very best we can to improve what we do by developing and learning – there is always something new to explore, and we both actively look for the opportunities they invariably present.”
He added, “It’s undeniable that the industry has faced significant challenges and continues to do so. However, this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who are on this journey with us. Congratulations to everyone featured in this year’s list- businesses that are doing things right and helping to firmly establish the north on the hospitality map.”
Siobhan Thompson, Event Manager for NRB25 said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil this year’s Kuits NRB Top 50 Power List, celebrating the very best in northern hospitality. The 2025 edition highlights operators who have not only demonstrated resilience and creativity but have also driven innovation and excellence within the sector.
From trailblazing independents to industry giants, each business on this list plays a vital role in shaping the North’s thriving hospitality scene. We look forward to seeing how they continue to evolve and inspire over the coming year.”
Felicity Tulloch, Head of Leisure and Licensing, commented: “We’re excited to once again support NRB, a key event for professionals in the northern hospitality sector. As dedicated legal advisors to the leisure and hospitality industries, we are proud to sponsor and judge the Kuits NRB Top Fifty awards which highlight some of the most innovative and influential operators in the region.
The North’s hospitality sector has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurship, and Northern Restaurant & Bar provides the perfect platform to showcase its dynamic food and drink scene. We’re proud to be part of this celebration.”
The top fifty names are selected by an expert judging panel following a rigorous research and selection processes to ensure the finalists represent the very best operators in the competitive northern hospitality scene.
Headline sponsors for the awards are Kuits Solicitors, with, CGA by NielsenIQ, Uber Eats, JW Lees and Natwest Commercial & Private Banking also named as Associate Sponsors for the prestige list.
For more information visit: https://www.northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk
