Leading restaurants, pubs, bars and leaders celebrated at MCA Hospitality Awards

Flat Iron was one of the big winners at the 2026 MCA Hospitality Awards last night (12 March), as the affordable steakhouse brand continues to buck the trend in the casual dining market.

Showing the strength of sticking to its core proposition – one hero product done exceptionally well – the McWin and TriSpan backed group scooped Best Restaurant Company at the glittering ceremony, held at The Guildhall London.

Other big winners included Heartwood Inns, which was named Best Pub Company having successfully pivoted to a pubs-with-rooms model with picturesque historic inns and fresh, seasonal food.

In a surprise win, healthy field-to-tray concept Farmer J saw off stiff competition from on-trend chicken concepts to win Best QSR Company.

Meanwhile, fast-growing group WatchHouse rose to the top of a high-quality field to win Best Coffee Shop or Bakery operator.

Across all categories, nominations and winners were voted for by an MCA database of sector leaders, subscribers, and key suppliers.

“These awards celebrate the innovation, resilience and accomplishments that define this fantastic and always evolving industry,” said Finn Scott-Delany, MCA editor.

Bavarian beerhall inspired Albert’s Schloss showed that it continues to defy a consumer downturn on going out with another win at MCA’s flagship event, picking up Best Pub or Bar Concept.

Opening proceedings and hotly contested, Dave’s Hot Chicken triumphed in the Emerging Concept category, showing the strength of demand for new chicken concepts coming to market, having been brought to the UK by Azzurri Group.

Arc Inspirations’ London debut BOX Piccadilly was the winner of Best New Opening, following its impressive launch on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Deal of the Year went to industry favourite Dishoom, which has been backed by L Catterton in a deal valuing the Bombay-inspired restaurant group at £300m that will fund further growth in the UK and US.

Pizza Pilgrims scooped not one but two awards, taking Best Use of Tech as well as the Sustainability Award.

The much-loved pizzeria group was commended for its ‘happier world’ ethos with environmental and social initiatives a core focus.

It was also celebrated for its internal communication platform, which has boosted collaboration and engagement among its growing workforce.

In a new category for the MCA Hospitality Awards, there was a stand-out winner during voting for Best Hotel Group, which went to The Pig collection for its chic country house hotels and cozy, eclectic accommodation.

Also new for 2026, the International Expansion Award, recognising homegrown hospitality talent that has had a global impact, went to Hawksmoor.

Many UK brands have made the journey across the Atlantic, but few have done so with us much confidence and style as the steakhouse group.

Punch Pubs & Co’s head of operations, Hayley Patterson, received the Rising Star award, which was judged by a panel that included UKHospitality’s Kate Nicholls and former Hawksmoor chief growth and culture officer Ceri Gott.

Patterson was praised for her ‘limitless’ potential, authentic leadership style and drive to improve pub partnerships at the group.

Incipio Group was named the winner of the Diversity Leadership Programme category, which recognises the business which has done the most to demonstrate its commitment to promoting and supporting employees from under-represented and minority backgrounds on their journey from the front line to the boardroom, and was judged by a panel that included Be Inclusive Hospitality co-founder Lorraine Copes and Leathwaite partner Holly Addison.

The London bar-restaurant group was commended for making great strides in advancing diversity in across business, offering career pathways into marketing, finance, operations and other functions outside of foodservice.

Leader of the Year, one of the most celebrated awards of the evening, saw a heavyweight field including Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie, Loungers chairman Alex Reilley, and Azzurri Group CEO Steve Holmes.

However, it was Caravan CEO and co-founder Laura Harper-Hinton who was triumphant on the night.

One of the most popular leaders in the sector, her business is credited with pioneering Antipodean all-day dining and speciality coffee culture in the UK.

The final accolade of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement award, which was decided by Scott-Delany and went to Fuller’s executive chairman Simon Emeny.

Emeny, who was the first non-family member to take the reins at this historic 180-year-old brewer and pub operator, was credited for having focused on modernisation and premiumisation during his leadership, investing in food-led pubs and hotels, and expanding outside London with strategic acquisitions.

Stepping into an executive chairman role at Fuller’s last year, Simon Emeny previously spent 12 years as CEO and seven years before that as managing director of the group.

“Wholehearted congratulations to all our winners and nominees,” Scott-Delany continued.

“All the businesses shortlisted should be applauded for the huge contribution they make, not just to the economy, but in shaping the experiences and memories of millions of guests who walk through their doors each year.

“What makes them even more special is the nominations and the final decisions are voted for by the leaders, entrepreneurs and key partners who make hospitality tick.

“A warm thank you to everyone for their support and contribution to this dynamic and vibrant sector. Here’s to a bright and prosperous future.”