Over 300 attendees, representing every part of the late-night market, attended the Awards which celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the late-night economy.
“We are delighted to be able to continue the work done by BEDA to champion late-night retailers and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of this incredibly important part of the industry,” said the ALMR’s strategic affairs director Kate Nicholls.
“The standard of the nominees was incredibly high and this made for some very difficult choices for our expert judging panel but this just reflects the phenomenal standards on offer across the modern late night economy. We are incredibly proud to champion these outstanding retailers.”
Four-strong, London-based steakhouse chain Hawksmoor scooped the Culinary Award on the night, with judges saying ‘their fresh high quality food is paired with drinks of a similar calibre all lovingly sourced, meticulously researched and spectacularly delivered’.
Meanwhile, Be AT One picked up the Arrivals & Departures Award, for its ‘investment in training and belief in bartending as a serious job’, and the Entertainment Award went to the Luminar-owned Cameo nightclub in Bournmouth for its ‘wide and varied offer’.
Other winners of the ALMR Late Night Awards: -
- The Bacchus Award – The Alchemist, Leeds (Living Ventures)
“The Alchemist provided a leap back into bars for the company. The Alchemist gave MD Tim Bacon the opportunity to go back to his roots, creating a truly inspirational and dynamic drinks menu. From handcrafted cocktails right through to “molecular madness”, this menu has something for every taste.”
- The Full House Award – Novus Leisure (Late Night London)
“Sustained investment in the business over the last year has led to food now accounting for 40 per cent of sales but it is the focus and investment in their pre-booked system which has given the company the ability to take market share and deliver predictable earnings through a difficult trading period.
- Skills & Smiles – Beds and Bars
“Their unique Footsteps Training Programme nurtures and develops staff as they move through the company.”
Nicholls from the ALMR added: “Congratulations to all our winners and we look forward to seeing the dynamism, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that drove their successes expanded upon even further next year.”
The ALMR is the national trade body representing the interests of licensed hospitality operators and its 130 Retailer Members run 13,500 outlets between them, employing over 350,000 employees.