Leeds’ best restaurants and chefs recognised at Oliver Awards 2024 by Yorkshire Evening Post

The 15th edition of the Oliver Awards, which honour Leeds’ best eateries, bars, pubs, cafes, hotels, takeaways, and chefs, has returned to 2024 with a bang.

The Oliver Awards provides an opportunity to showcase Leeds’ exceptional hospitality industry and the dedicated individuals who make it possible.

The year, there was a brand-new category called “Rising Star” that was given to a young, talented chef everyone needs to watch. The “Overall Restaurant” award was also replaced by the new Judges’ Choice award.

For 2024, more than 200 businesses applied to the Oliver Awards to be recognised for their contributions to the food and drink scene, setting a record for the number of entries.

This year’s winners were announced at a ceremony at New Dock Hall near the Royal Armouries Museum on Monday 18th March.

Amongst a host of well-deserved winners was a chef from one of Leeds’ best Indian restaurants, Tharavadu. Their head chef Ajith Kumar proudly won ‘Chef of the Year’.

Tharavadu has won many accolades over the years, thanks to their unbeatable flavours of traditional Keralan cuisine, creating an authentic South Indian dining experience and the most welcoming service that’s hard to come by.

Another of Leeds’ rightful winners is an inventive and groundbreaking chef, Craig Rogan. His Leeds city centre restaurant, Craig Rogan at The Collective, was the deserved winner of the ‘Best Fine Dining Experience’ award.

Known for taking fine dining to another level, Craig Rogan has received shining recommendations from prestigious platforms. Throughout the year, guests can anticipate unmatched flavour combinations while indulging in his 5 or 8-course tasting menu, brimming with inventive touches.

To find out more about the other awards and recognised winners in Leeds, see the full list below.

2024 Oliver Awards Winners:

• Best Fine Dining Experience – Craig Rogan at The Collective
• Chef of the Year – Ajith Kumar at Tharavadu
• Best Cafe or Deli – Empire Cafe
• Newcomer of the Year – Bricklebank’s Cafe & Bar
• Best Bar – Green Room
• Best Family Friendly – The Thornhill
• Best Takeaway – Hooyah Burgers
• Sustainability Award – Kino
• Best Speciality – byMolly
• Best Brunch – Cafe Deli Margaux
• Best Pub or Brewery – Horsforth Brewery & Taproom
• Best World Restaurant – Dastaan
• Best Customer Service – Chef Jono at V&V
• Best Hotel Restaurant – The Grill at Dakota Leeds
• Rising Star Award – Nick Lachica at Herencia
• Outstanding Contribution – Claire at Moot Hall Arms
• Judges’ Choice Award – Matt Healy at Forde

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