Oliver Awards 2026: A night of celebration for Leeds hospitality scene amid 'tough' times for industry
It was a night of celebration as the immense talent from across the hospitality sector in Leeds came together for the annual YEP Oliver Awards.
Three years on from my last Oliver Awards attendance and with three years extra experience among the city’s astounding range of pubs, restaurants and bars, it was a pleasure to be able to celebrate with such a creative and dedicated room of individuals.
Speaking to and being among the chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and managers that keep the city fed and satisfied it was clear what a distinct pool of talent the city is serving up.
Though the industry is facing discouraging times, this night of comradery and celebration offered a chance to remind ourselves what the city is all about and to know that we’re in it together.
The Yorkshire Evening Post’s 17th annual Oliver Awards was held on Monday night (March 16) at New Dock Hall and saw the best of the city’s new arrivals, old favourites and hidden gems dressed to impress.
Kicking off proceedings was the award for Best Bar, which went to The Green Room for the third year in a row.
Speaking after, owner Will Habergham said he was “very, very happy” with the hat-trick win, adding: “We love Leeds, we love the community and we’re delighted to be here.
“The hospitality scene is having a tough time not just in Leeds but nationwide but it’s great to see so many passionate people altogether in one room.”
Will also put a lot of praise on the Green Room team, which was a common theme from the winners who were quick to praise those on the floor, behind the bars and in the kitchens that make the operations run so smoothly.
The night was also a chance to recognise the astounding work done by independent business owners, who are taking the plunge and realising their dreams in the walls of the city.
And the number of recent additions recognised indicates that Leeds shows no sign of standing still, with The Victoria & Commercial taking home the Best Newcomer award after a stunning renovation of a landmark building and The Highland Laddie topping off a phenomenal first year with a Best Pub award.
It was a fantastic night too for Chris Hill from Latitude Wine, who was “very pleased and proud” to be picked for the new ‘Best In Glass Award’ for the store and bar’s stunning selection of wines before going on to win the night’s final award for ‘Outstanding Contribution To The Industry’, having run the site for 18 years.
He said: “It’s been 30 years since I got my first job working at a bar in Leeds and it wasn’t the amazing hospitality experience we now know so I feel like I’ve grown up with it.
“Things are tough but there’s some seriously talented people on this awards list and working in bars and kitchens and restaurants and if the public can show their support on a regular basis then we’ll do it and do it better over and over again like I’ve seen us do for the last three decades.”
Grab your copy of the Yorkshire Evening Post next Tuesday for our special Oliver Awards supplement.
- Best Bar: Green Room
- Sustainability In Action: Below Stairs
- Best Pop Up / Street Food: Bundobust
- Best Takeaway: Homeboy Pizza Co
- Best Hotel Restaurant: Azotea Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
- Community Impact Award: Viaduct Showbar
- Best In Glass Award: Latitude Wine
- Best Pub: The Highland Laddie
- Best Social Media: Crowdedhouse
- Best Customer Service: Hooleos Mexican Café Bar
- Chef Of The Year: Sandy Jarvis - Bavette
- Best Fine Dining Experience: Uyare
- Best Restaurant: The Empire Cafe
- Outstanding Contribution To The Industry: Chris Hill from Latitude Wine