Kuits NRB Top Fifty Power List 2024 Revealed
Returning for its eleventh edition, the Kuits NRB Top Fifty Hospitality Power List 2024 has been unveiled today at the opening of the annual Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) trade show in Manchester.
The prestigious list recognises the top performing and most influential hospitality operators from across the north who have excelled both commercially and critically over the past twelve months. The names are revealed at a time when northern hospitality has demonstrated growth and resilience over the past year, averaging 7.2% sales growth, according to research conducted by Northern Restaurant & Bar in partnership with CGA by NielsenIQ.
Two special achievement trophies were awarded to House of Tides / Solstice by Kenny Atkinson and Roxy Leisure Group & Concept Taverns. Kenny and Abbie Atkinson were recognised as trailblazers not only in the North East, but the whole of the North, with two Michelin Star restaurants.
Brothers Ben and Matthew Jones from the pioneering bar group, Roxy Leisure Group & Concept Taverns, were awarded for the growth of their business, having opened more than eight new sites, including the launch of the new King Pins brand.
New entries in the Kuits NRB Top Fifty Power List for 2024 include: Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, House of Tides / Solstice by Kenny Atkinson, Schofield Brothers, Rockingham Group, Kelham Island Brewery & Leah's Yard, and Seven Bro7hers, and The Star at Harome/Star Inn The City also returns for 2024.
Upon receiving a special achievement award, Matthew Jones, CEO at Roxy Leisure, commented: ‘We are thrilled to be recognised for this award, significantly it marks 20 years in business this year across multiple brands including the hugely successful Roxy Leisure. NRB have been huge supporters of our business for many years, and we would like to extend our gratitude to the whole of the NRB / Kuits family and our loyal customers.’
Kenny Atkinson, who also received a special achievement award for House of Tides / Solstice, also said: “Both Abbie and I are extremely proud and overwhelmed to receive this award. It's been an immensely challenging period for hospitality as a whole, but I think the North have demonstrated incredible tenacity, resilience and creativity to showcase and grow their amazing businesses but to showcase the amazing talent within them. We are just proud to be part of the North's amazing journey to keep hospitality and people growing in order to give our customers the best of what the North can offer.”
Siobhan Thompson, Event Manager for NRB24 said: “We are delighted to reveal this year’s highly anticipated Kuits NRB Top 50 Power List. Now in its eleventh year, the awards continue to shine a well-deserved spotlight on hospitality operators who excel in the industry and help cement the north as a leading hospitality destination The current climate of the industry makes this list even more pertinent, showcasing the resilience of Northern hospitality during challenging times for the sector.”
“From independent breweries through to Michelin starred establishments, each of the fifty have continued to pivot and evolve through the well documented challenges to the industry, and we’re excited to see what they go on to achieve for the rest of the year.”
Felicity Tulloch, Head of Licensing & Partner at Kuits, commented: “Once again, the judges were incredibly impressed with the standard of entrepreneurship and innovation shown by the hospitality sector in the North. It was a difficult job to narrow the list down to 50 as there are so many talented individuals in the sector so congratulations to all those who are listed and we look forward to seeing your businesses continue to grow.”
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, Natwest Commercial & Private Banking, JW Lees and Uber Eats also named as Associate Sponsors for the prestige list.
The full list in alphabetical order can be found below:
21 Hospitality Group
A Very Inc. (The Firehouse/Ramona)
Arc Inspirations
Archies
Bowland Inns & Hotels
Bundobust
By The River Brew Co
Camerons Brewery
Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars
Common & Co
Dabangg
Daniel Thwaites
Elite Bistros
Fat Hippo
Frederic Robinson
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House (New entry)
GSG Hospitality
Gusto Italian
Higher Ground
House of Tides / Solstice by Kenny Atkinson (New entry & Special Achievement Winner)
Inn Collection Group
JW Lees
Living Ventures
Madre
Mission Mars
Moor Hall Restaurants with Rooms
Mowgli Street Food
New World Trading Company
North
Northcote
NQ64
Ossett Brewery Pub Company
Pivovar Ltd
QVO Hospitality
Revolution Bars Group
Rockingham Group, Kelham Island Brewery & Leah's Yard (New entry)
Roxy Leisure Group & Concept Taverns (Special achievement Winner)
San Carlo Group
Schofield Brothers (New entry)
Seven Bro7hers (New entry)
Super Friendz
The Alchemist
The Liars Club Group
The Old Stamp House
The Star Inn At Harome/ The Star Inn The City/ York Minster Refectory (Returning)
The Tommy Banks Group
Tokyo Industries
Umbel Restaurant Group
Vaulkhard Group
Zanna Hospitality Group
Pictured: Kenny Atkinson of Solstice and House of Tides (middle) receiving a Special Achievement Award
