UK’s best restaurants, pubs & bars revealed at the Casual Dining Awards 2025
The UK’s best pub, bar, and restaurant operators were announced at the prestigious Casual Dining Awards, which took place last night at the London Marriott Hotel, in Grosvenor Square.
Nando’s, Pizza Pilgrims, Albert’s Schloss, wagamama, Loungers, Mowgli, Bills, Wahaca, and PizzaExpress were among the leading brands who took home prestigious awards – covering everything from best family dining experience, and menu innovation to restaurant brand of the year.
Laura Harper-Hinton, Co-Founder & CEO of Caravan won the coveted Trailblazer of the Year Award, and the Legendary Brand Award went to PizzaExpress.
The Special Award went to well-known Chair, Portfolio NED and Board Advisor Ann Elliott, for her dedication to the Restaurant, Pub and Bar sector. Ann has more than 20 years of experience running her own marketing agency and serving as a non-executive director for many hospitality businesses. She has worked at board level for companies including Beefeater, Pizza Hut, and Gusto. She is chair of Family Adventures Group and currently a non-executive director for Hall & Woodhouse, Tipjar, Tossed, and recently, Prezzo.
Stephen Herring, Event Manager at Diversified UK & Europe (organiser of the Casual Dining Awards and The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show – previously, Casual Dining) says: “The Casual Dining Awards are a fantastic celebration of the dynamic, passionate, and creative restaurant, pub, and bar industry. It’s a night to meet with peers and recognise outstanding achievements. I’m always inspired by the innovation, especially from our winners. A huge thank you to the sponsors and judges, and congratulations to all the winners! We look forward to seeing everyone again at The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show in September”
The Casual Dining Awards winners in full:
Special Award – sponsored by The National Restaurant Pub & Bar Show
Ann Elliott (Chair, Portfolio NED, Board Advisor)
Trailblazer of the Year – sponsored by Uber Eats
Laura Harper-Hinton, Co-Founder & CEO, Caravan
Legendary Brand of the Year – sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
PizzaExpress
New Concept of the Year – sponsored by National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
Opening of the Year – sponsored by American Express
Albert’s Schloss, Soho
Sustainable Operator of the Year – sponsored by Amber
Wahaca
Employer of the Year (1-49 Sites) – sponsored by Howden
Mowgli
Employer of the Year (50+ Sites) – sponsored by Blue Light Card
Loungers
Menu Innovation (1-25 Sites) – sponsored by Fresh Direct
Brother Marcus
Menu Innovation (26+ sites) – sponsored by La Lorraine Bakery Group
wagamama
Brand Marketing of the Year – sponsored by IPW1
Pizza Pilgrims
Best use of Technology – sponsored by HGEM
wagamama
Best Designed Site of the Year – sponsored by Northern Restaurant & Bar
Blacklock, Manchester with Other Side
Best Family Dining Experience – sponsored by Natural Innovations
Bill’s
Pub/Bar Brand of the Year (1-49 sites) – sponsored by Carlsberg Britvic
The Devonshire
Pub/Bar Brand of the Year (50+ sites) – sponsored by Funkin Cocktails
Lounge
Restaurant Brand of the Year (1-19 sites) – sponsored by Carlsberg Britvic
Flat Iron
Restaurant Brand of the Year (20-50 sites) – sponsored by Bidfood
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana
Restaurant Brand of the Year (51+ sites) – sponsored by Mccormick Flavour Solution
Nando’s
Casual Dining Group of the Year – sponsored by Reynolds
JKS Restaurants
For further information, including the full list of winners, finalists, and judges, please visit www.cdawards.co.uk.
The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show 2025
Many of this year’s Casual Dining Award winners (and finalists) will be attending their industry show – The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show (previously Casual Dining) at Excel London on 24-25 September – co-located with sister show lunch! To register for a free trade ticket, visit www.nrpbs.co.uk