GSG Hospitality Crowned Bar Business of the Year, Acknowledging Resilience and Innovation
In a remarkable recognition of excellence within the hospitality sector, Liverpool-founded GSG Hospitality has been awarded the prestigious Bar Business of the Year title at the CLASS Bar Awards 2026. This accolade celebrates the group’s significant contributions to the UK bar industry and its unwavering success amid challenging trading conditions.
A Celebration of Industry Resilience
The CLASS Bar Awards, hosted at the Battersea Arts Centre in London, are known for honoring the most respected entities within the UK’s hospitality landscape. The newly introduced Bar Business of the Year title, awarded to GSG Hospitality, was designed to highlight hospitality operators that exemplify resilience, creativity, and sustained growth. This newly established category underlines the industry's recognition of the hard work invested by businesses in navigating unprecedented challenges.
A Portfolio of Distinction
Co-owned by John Ennis and Matt Farrell along with business partner Nick Thomas, GSG Hospitality boasts an enviable collection of venues that have become staples in Liverpool and Manchester. Among their celebrated locations are Salt Dog Slims, the vibrant tequila and mezcal bar El Bandito, cocktail venue 81Ltd, and the late-night concept MDNT. Over the past two decades, the group has expanded its footprint to nearly 20 unique venues, each with its own distinct personality and ambiance.
Voices of Pride and Perseverance
Co-owner John Ennis expressed the group’s pride in this recognition, stating, “We’re incredibly proud to receive this award from CLASS. To be recognised on a national level by people within the industry means a huge amount to us.” His acknowledgment of the collective effort of their teams highlights the hard work dedicated to crafting outstanding experiences for their customers across all venues. This sentiment resonates deeply as hospitality has repeatedly faced formidable hurdles in recent years.
The Impact of Independent Businesses
The judges of the CLASS Bar Awards commended GSG Hospitality, describing them as “an indie business with a prolific output over two decades.” This recognition not only affirms the group's longevity but also emphasizes its meaningful impact within the UK hospitality sector. Such accolades pave the way for more innovative and independent establishments to thrive, reinforcing the notion that creativity and hard work can lead to significant recognition in competitive industries.
