The This is MCR Awards winners in full including the leading hotel, restaurant, bar and venue for 2025
08:08, 07 Nov 2025Updated 08:10, 07 Nov 2025
The Banyan Tree was among the winners at the This is Manchester awards presented by Adam Thomas and Jenny Powell(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
Manchester’s best restaurants, cultural venues, entrepreneurs and community heroes were honoured at a glittering ceremony for this year’s This is Manchester Awards.
Hosted by TV stars Jenny Powell and Scott Thomas, the gala night was held at The Point at Lancashire Cricket Club. Winners were revealed across a bumper 25 categories for the 2025 event.
Over 800 guests attended the ceremony, including a host of famous faces from the TV world out in glamorous attire including actor brothers Ryan Thomas and Adam Thomas, former Coronation Street stars Lucy-Jo Hudson, Helen Flanagan and Lisa George, and TV stars Sarah Jayne Dunn, Jay Howard and Hannah Kate Norburn.
Among the most celebrated wins of the night, Kimpton Clock Tower took home Leading Hotel of the Year, while glitzy steak restaurant The Cut & Craft and newcomer Pip Mcr at the Treehouse Hotel claimed the Leading Restaurant Awards for Formal and Casual dining respectively.
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Both restaurants have barely been open a year in Manchester, but were praised for their immediate impact on the city’s dining scene. Pip’s award also comes just weeks after it gained its first mention in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
The team from Cut & Craft celebrate their big win(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
Meanwhile, Mahboob Hussain, of Royal Nawaab Pyramid, was named Leading Chef of the Year, after the impressive impact of the restaurant’s takeover of the iconic Stockport Pyramid.
Ernest Van Sitters of Oddfellows on the Park in Cheadle recognised as Hospitality Personality of the Year, while celebration of the night went to the team from Greek restaurant NYXE in Worsley, whose team swung their napkins in joy across the room after they were named Outstanding Debut of the Year.
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The Brit Fest 2025 earned Leading Live Event of the Year, and The Monastery Manchester triumphed as Leading Live Event Venue.
The AO Arena was honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Music, with an emotional speech on stage which honoured both the venue’s 30th anniversary while leading a standing ovation in tribute to everyone who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017.
The AO Arena team on stage(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
AO Arena’s General Manager, Gemma Vaughn, said: “We’re truly honoured to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music at this year’s This is Manchester Awards. For three decades, the AO Arena has been at the heart of the city’s live music scene, welcoming global superstars, nurturing local talent, and creating unforgettable memories for millions of fans.
“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this recognition is a testament to the incredible artists, audiences, and teams who’ve made the Arena such an iconic part of Manchester’s story.”
In an emotional end to the night, boxing coach Joe Gallagher was honoured on stage, presented his Outstanding contribution to Sport award by boxer Natasha Jonas.
Joe Gallagher was honoured(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
At the finale the night’s highest honour, the Supernova Award, was given posthumously to inspiring footballer Joe Thompson, who overcame cancer twice before dedicating his life to motivational speaking and mental health advocacy.
His award was presented on the night to his wife Chantelle and daughter Thailula, with Chantelle having the audience in tears with her powerful speech.
She said: “It’s such a proud and emotional moment to see Joe honoured with the Supernova Award.
“His light continues to shine through everything we do, and this recognition celebrates not just his courage, but the hope, love, and impact he’s left behind. Joe always said, ‘Don’t live life to survive, live to thrive’, and tonight, that message lives on.”
Chantelle Thompson and daughter Thailula made a moving speech in honour of Joe Thompson who won the Supernova award(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)
Her words drew a standing ovation from the room, closing the evening with a show of Mancunian resilience, pride and togetherness.
Now in its eighth year, the This is Manchester Awards honour the innovation, resilience and creativity that define the region, across hospitality, live events, technology, fashion, arts, and community impact.
Founder and proud Mancunian, Ziara Siddique said: “Every year, the This is Manchester Awards remind us why this city leads the way. From world-class hospitality to grassroots changemakers, the 2025 winners represent the best of Greater Manchester’s spirit, ambitious, authentic and unapologetically proud and I’m always humbled to be amongst such inspiring people.”
Joe Gallagher added: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this award, following in Pep’s footsteps last year and turning the city from Blue to Red! Amazing to be recognised in ‘The Oscars of Manchester’.”
Funds raised on the night were donated to Cure Leukaemia, with event partners including JMW, Elsewhere, Prestfield Wealth Management, Arella UK and Sedulo Group.
This is Manchester Awards 2025 winners in full
Category
Winner
Leading Hotel of the Year Award
Kimpton Clock Tower
Leading Restaurant Award (Formal)
The Cut & Craft
Leading Restaurant Award (Casual)
Pip Mcr
Leading Chef of the Year Award
Mahboob Hussain – Royal Nawaab Pyramid
Leading Bar / Club of the Year Award
The Banyan Tree Mcr
Hospitality Personality of the Year Award
Ernest Van Sitters – Oddfellows On The Park
Outstanding Debut of the Year Award
NYXE Worsley
Leading Live Event Award
The Brit Fest 2025
Leading Live Event Venue Award
The Monastery Manchester
Leading Technology / Digital Innovator
Housr Living Ltd
Force of Fashion Award
The Fruit Moth
Individual Making a Difference
Lee Wakeham – H M Pasties
Organisation Making a Difference in the Community
JD Foundation & Whysup Collaboration
Individuals and/or Organisations Promoting Wellbeing
The Manchester Mindfulness Festival
One to Watch / Young Person / Fundraiser of the Year
Hamish Graham
Leading Sustainability & Impact Award
Co-op Live
Diversity & Inclusion Leader / Changemaker of the Year
David Morgan – Entrepreneurs Unlocked
Leading Retail Business / Brand of the Year
The Trafford Centre
Outstanding Business of the Year
UNDERFOUND
Entrepreneur of the Year
Josh Thomas
Woman of the Year
Ashley Marie Higgins
Leading Arts & Culture Venue
Palace Theatre & Opera House
Outstanding Contribution to Music
AO Arena
Outstanding Contribution to Sport
Joe Gallagher
This is Manchester – Supernova Award
Joe Thompson