The venue was the only one in Merseyside to make the list
David Fitzsimmons, 38, opened Furusato Bar & Grill on Westway(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A Merseyside venue has made the shortlist in the national hospitality awards. Restaurants, bars, takeaways, and hotels from across the country are among hospitality businesses unveiled as finalists in the national awards programme, which returns this month.
The shortlist for the Master Chef Promotions Business Hospitality & Excellence Awards 2025 was revealed at an event in Coventry on Monday, August 11. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in the Midlands in a few weeks. First launched in 2015, the evening recognises excellence in hospitality businesses across the country, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent and dedication to the industry.
Thanks to popular demand, the awards have returned this year after a brief hiatus, attracting hundreds of entries from across the UK, many serving different cuisines or presenting different styles of offering.
Furusato Bar & Grill received high praise from the local celebs(Image: Furusato)
A team of judges has now whittled each of the categories, which include regional restaurant of the year, fine dining, casual dining, newcomer, and takeaway of the year, to three finalists.
Professor Dr Rois Ali, CEO of Master Chef Promotions, said: “We were thrilled to see so many entries from across the country showcasing so many different hospitality businesses.
“Despite a few years’ break, these awards are a highlight in the culinary world, providing a platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements of those in our hospitality industry.
“Our mission is to elevate the food industry through innovation and recognition among chefs and professionals – especially during what is currently a challenging time.”
Furusato Bar and Grill in Maghull is up for the Bar and Grill of the Year award.
The Westway venue, run by husband and wife David and Jan Fitzsimmons, faces competition from Ferry Inn in Nottingham and The Harrogate Inn in Harrogate.
The restaurant serves up a range of Pan-Asian dishes including Korean cauliflower bites, Thai Penang chicken curry, spiced potato bonda and coconut tarka dahl.
The menu also features steaks, truffle fries, a range of cocktails and a small plates section. It has previously been given the green-light by self-made athletes Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett and Molly “Meatball” McCann.
All winners will be revealed at an event, expo, and gala dinner at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Wednesday, August 27.
The evening will bring together over 500 guests, including industry leaders and celebrities, and will feature a drinks reception, five-course banquet and keynote speeches.