Success for NCASS members at Midlands Hospitality Awards

It was a night of success at the Midlands Food Drink & Hospitality Awards as four members won on the night.

Jacob Clarke of Stirchley based neighbourhood cocktail bar, Couch, walked away with the title of Bar/Restaurant Manager of the Year. The win was another success for the bar after being voted one of the best 20 bars in the world by The Telegraph in 2021. He commented:

“When you work so hard on a passion project that makes you happy, it feels so nice to gain some recognition. It just gives you that jump of confidence you need to keep doing what you’re doing and know it’s worth it.”

Digbeth Dining Club favourite Fat Snags snapped up the award for Street Food Operator of the Year, whilst Tierra Tacos won Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year. They commented:

“We’re really pleased to come out on top as part of such a strong category and are so proud that casual dining is thriving more than ever in Birmingham. Winning the award is testament to the hard work the team have put in over the last year and hopefully a sign of things to come from us!”

Fat Snags:

“Totally shocked we won out of a load of amazing street food pals in our category. Humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as all of them. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated. Five years in and we still massively love what we do. Putting the best sausages in the best buns and sticking some top quality shizzle on them. To all the event organisers, suppliers, fellow traders, venue staff, foodies, reviewers, family and friends who look out for us, thank you.”

Laghi’s Deli, which aims to bring a taste of Bologna to Birmingham snapped up the award for Italian Restaurant of the Year. Owner, Luca, remarked:

“Winning meant a lot to us, especially after Covid and in this moment of uncertainty for all hospitality. We experienced (like everyone else) ups and downs in number of customers with an extortionate increase in electricity bills and costs of ingredients from Italy (after Brexit).

“This prize gave us a fresh breeze and new hope and we hope it will help new customers to give us a try and old customers to come and see us again (hidden under the scaffolding that has affected our building over the last 4 years -*sob sob.”

Other NCASS members to be nominated for awards included Dick’s Smokehouse, Beef on the Block, Urban Cheesecake, The Meat Shack Burgers, Street Chef Lloyd, Urban Spice Box, Kitsch Kitchen and Meat Meets Bun.

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