Leeds Oliver Awards 2026: Nominate your unsung heroes for Yorkshire Evening Post's food and drink awards
Some heroes don’t wear capes - instead they offer a friendly smile that can turn a rough day into a better one.
They often operate quietly behind the scenes going above and beyond to keep restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs across Leeds running seamlessly.
And as part of this year’s YEP Oliver Awards we’re turning the spotlight firmly on those unsung heroes who make a difference without even realising it.
The newest award, which has been launched this year, aims to honour those who go above and beyond with their commitment, reliability and exceptional work ethic to form the backbone of hospitality venues across the city.
The awards, now in their 17th year, is a chance to crown our best restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels, chefs and celebrate their contribution to making Leeds such a vibrant dining scene.
Publisher Laura Collins said: “We want to find those people whose dedication, kindness and professionalism deserve more than just a simple thank you.
“There are so many unsung hospitality heroes making a real difference across Leeds, day in and day out.
“It could be someone who knows your coffee order without even asking, the bartender who offers service with a smile or the team operating behind the scenes to make sure service in our restaurants, hotels and cafes is exceptional.
“We want to put those people firmly in the spotlight as a special way to say thank you for their tireless commitment to making the Leeds hospitality scene so special.”
There are 17 awards in total including our new awards Best In Glass, Unsung Hero, Community Impact Award and Best Social Media.
There will also be a return of our staple classics including Best Chef, Best Bar/Pub, Best Deli/Cafe, Best Street Food/Pop-up and our Outstanding Contribution prize.
For more details and to enter the awards visit the new Oliver Awards website.
It will culminate in a swanky award ceremony in Leeds on March 16.
PPS, LHVA and Chef Works have already been confirmed as sponsors of the event.
How to enter the Oliver Awards 2026
Any business with an LS postcode, and/or in the Leeds City Council district, can enter the 2026 awards. You can find out more about the criteria for each category and submit your entries on the Oliver Awards website.
Businesses can enter up to three categories each, and judges will be looking for detailed entries that match the category description. Judging will begin once nominations close on February 2 2026.