Speak with our friendly team today and discover how you can stand in front of our readers and make this space your own.
The Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026 saw double success for ART Hospitality group for both Independent businesses
The Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026 saw double success for ART Hospitality group for both Independent businesses
The Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026 saw double success for ART Hospitality group for both Independent businesses
Celebrating the very best of the Midlands hospitality industry, the awards, held at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham with over 220 finalists competing across 32 categories. The evening was filled with a double success for ART Hospitality, the independent hospitality group where Leaven Pizza was crowned Best Italian Restaurant 2026.
Leaven Pizza previously won the PAPA Award for Best Independent Pizzeria in the UK in 2024 and has been recognised as a finalist at the Italian Awards for two consecutive years. The Hereford-based pizzeria is known for making their fresh sourdough pizza’s, daily on site.
Maneki Ramen, located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, and the sister brand as part of ART Hospitality was recognised among the region’s best chefs after Matt Nichols, Head Chef of Maneki Ramen on Ludgate Hill, was shortlisted for Chef of the Year at the prestigious Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026.
Maneki Ramen has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most exciting independent restaurants, serving modern interpretations of Japanese ramen and small plates in a vibrant, contemporary setting.
Whilst Nichols narrowly missed out on taking home the individual title, the recognition highlights the growing reputation of a hospitality group that continues to invest heavily in chef-led businesses and independent restaurant concepts across the Midlands after being shortlisted amongst some of the region’s most respected chefs was recognition of years spent refining his craft.
Nichols is part of ART Hospitality’s Chefpreneur model, which gives chefs and hospitality leaders genuine influence in shaping the businesses they operate and said: “To be shortlisted for Chef of the Year was an incredible honour. Birmingham has one of the most exciting food scenes in the country, so to be recognised alongside so many talented chefs is something I’m really proud of.
Hospitality is always a team effort and this recognition belongs as much to the team around me as it does to me personally. Every day we’re trying to create a restaurant experience that people genuinely want to come back to.”
ART Hospitality Director Dorian Kirk believes the recognition reflects the quality of talent within Birmingham’s hospitality sector and added: “Matt has done an exceptional job at Maneki. He’s one of the most talented chefs I’ve worked with and has played a huge part in establishing Maneki as one of Birmingham’s most exciting independent restaurant brands.
To see him shortlisted for Chef of the Year is fantastic recognition of his hard work, creativity and leadership.”
For ART Hospitality, the success demonstrates the strength of its Chefpreneur approach.
“Whether it’s Matt leading Maneki in Birmingham or Jamin leading Leaven Pizza in Hereford, our philosophy is the same” added Kirk.
“Great restaurants are built by talented people who care deeply about what they do. Our job is to give them the support, autonomy and opportunity to create something special. Seeing both Matt recognised individually and Leaven win such a major award is validation of that approach.”
As Birmingham’s independent hospitality sector continues to evolve, the recognition reinforces Maneki Ramen’s position as one of the city’s standout independent restaurant operators and highlights the calibre of talent helping drive the city’s food scene forward.
Speak to your audience directly within articles of their interest both digitaly and through our printed issues.
Speak with our friendly team today and discover how you can stand in front of our readers.
Maneki Ramen
Located on Ludgate Hill in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Maneki Ramen serves modern interpretations of Japanese noodle bowls, snacks and cocktails in a contemporary restaurant setting.
ART Hospitality
ART Hospitality operates a collection of independent hospitality brands across Birmingham, Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester, including Maneki Ramen, Burger Shop, Leaven Pizza, Dr Foster, The Yard and The Bookshop.
Recent Accolades
Speak to your audience directly within articles of their interest both digitaly and through our printed issues.
Never miss an edition. Sign up for our digital subscription and enjoy Swealthy content wherever you are. Simply leave your details and join our community – oh and it’s completely free of charge!
.jpg)
Ahead of its official opening on Thursday 22nd October, Cow & Sow’s sister brand, The Field Farmshop & Kitchen has opened bookings, and given guests a sneak preview of the menu
There was a time when experiencing exceptional food meant securing a reservation at one of the country's finest restaurants. Today, luxury dining is becoming far more personal.
Beyond Provence: Five Rosés Worth Discovering This Season
There are few things more pleasurable than a leisurely Sunday lunch, particularly when the city is bathed in sunshine and there is every excuse to slow down, settle in and enjoy an afternoon of good food and wonderful company.
Brocks, a 60-cover neighbourhood restaurant, will open on Harborne High Street later this year with UCB alumni Matt Nicholls at the helm
There are country house hotels that impress you with grandeur, and then there are those that make you feel as though you have discovered somewhere that has been quietly waiting for you. Mallory Court belongs firmly in the latter category.
In Birmingham's vibrant Jewellery Quarter, where heritage meets innovation, Lasan has spent more than two decades quietly redefining what modern Indian dining can be.
New to Swealthy Magazine? Welcome. Discover where to find our latest editions and catch up on everything you’ve been missing here:
Our beautifully crafted print magazine deserves pride of place on your coffee table. Sign up to receive every bi-monthly edition, delivered directly to your door - before anyone else.
Subscribe for a year and save 25%
Copyright © Swealthy LTD
All rights reserved
.jpg)
.avif)
%204541%20(1).avif)
-2.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
-copy.avif)
