Staff from businesses on Birmingham’s Golden Mile enjoyed a rare night off as its pubs, clubs, hotels and bars were honoured the Best of Broad Street awards.
There were cheers and standing ovations as the award-winners were announced.
Among those celebrating was Scott Hempel, from Bar Risa, who received The Broad Street Award for Excellence and Best Overall Venue gong.
He said: “I’m chuffed to win. Broad Street is a real community and we have a great team.”
The Birmingham Rep’s “golden girls”, who have worked at the theatre for more than 28 years, received The Broad Street Award for Excellence.
Marlene Gregory, aged 73, said: “It was a real shock to receive the award but we are really pleased. It’s always been a lovely place to work.”
Grosvenor Casinos was recognised as Most Improved Venue and commercial manager David Cox said: “Broad Street is a great mix of venues.
“Our transformation took a lot of hard work and we are very proud to have won the award.”
Rai Singh, creative director of Best International Restaurant Pushkar said: “It’s great to have won three awards. In this game it’s all about consistency and I’m really proud of my team.”
Sugar Suite barman, Ashley Cox said he was “chuffed” to have been crowned the street’s Best Bar Person, adding: “It’s a real laugh working at the bar and the managers are great.”
The venue’s DJ, Triple SSS, was also recognised as this year’s best. He said: “It’s amazing to win. Broad Street is crucial to Birmingham. Without Broad Street there’s no raving scene.”
Best Pub Chef Krzysztof Tatrek, from O’Neills, was congratulated for having quadrupled food sales at the venue over the past four years.
Dave Norton, manager of the Sports Cafe, soon to be rebranded as Bliss, thanked his “dedicated team of individuals” for their help in securing Best Bar award.
Among the Best Managed House recipients at Figure of Eight was shift manager Claire Eacock, who said: “The team do a brilliant job. You can’t beat us for team spirit.”
There were 25 categories in total at the awards - which were hosted by Capital FM’s breakfast show duo, Dan and Katy - which included Best Bar Staff, Best Waiting Staff, Best Door Supervisor, Best Police Officer, Best Manager, Best Chef, Best Bar, Best Restaurant, Best International Restaurant, Best Themed Restaurant, Best Hotel, Best Outstanding Contribution, Best Casual Dining, Best Newcomer and Best Overall Venue.
The winners were:
The Ritchie Award for Outstanding Contribution: Allan Sartori
The Broad Street Award for Excellence: Scott Hempel, Bar Risa
Johnny Cash, Birmingham City Council
The Rep Theatre’s ‘Golden Girls’ – Val Munday, Mary Gordon, Marlene Gregory and Brenda Bradley
Best Arts and Entertainment Venue as voted for by Birmingham Post readers: Highlight Comedy Club
Highly commended: Symphony Hall
Best Overall Venue as voted for by Birmingham Mail readers: Bar Risa
Highly commended: Blue Mango
Most Improved Venue: Grosvenor Casino
Best Door Supervisor: Chad Newhall (Rococo)
Highly Commended: Simon Roden (Gatecrasher)
Best Door Crew: Gatecrasher
Highly Commended: Rococo
Best Police Officer: Sergeant David Francis
Highly Commended: PC Adrian Bill
Best Promotions Team: Reflex
Highly Commended: Flares
Best Hotel: Novotel
Highly Commended: Hyatt
Best Chef: Bishal Rasaly, Pushkar
Highly Commended: Surachet Patpun, Thai Edge
Best Pub Chef: Krzysztof Tatarek, O’Neills
Highly Commended: Jake Parke, Rococo
Best Waiter/Waitress: Wantana Petchakew, Thai Edge
Highly Commended: Nehanda Ferguson, Pushkar
Best Bar Person: Ashley Cox, SugarSuite
Highly Commended: Ciarae Walsh, O’Neills
Best Manager: David Cox, Grosvenor Casino
Highly Commended: Scott Hempel, Bar Risa
Best Restaurant: Cielo
Highly Commended: Piccolinos
Best International Restaurant: Pushkar
Highly Commended: Barajee
Best Themed Venue: Flares
Highly Commended: Walkabout
Best Newcomer: Nuvo
Highly Commended: Yo! Sushi
Best Independent Bar: Gatecrasher
Highly Commended: SugarSuite
Best Managed House: Figure of Eight
Highly Commended: Brasshouse
Best DJ: Corey Hadley, Sugarsuite
Highly commended: Pete Christian, Sports Cafe
Keeping Music Live: Nuvo
Highly commended: O’Neills
Best Bar: All Bar One
Highly commended: Figure of Eight
