North West hospitality group GSG Hospitality has been named Bar Business of the Year at the prestigious CLASS Bar Awards 2026, recognising the group’s outstanding contribution to the UK bar industry and its continued success in a challenging trading landscape.
Held at Battersea Arts Centre in London on Tuesday 6 May, the CLASS Bar Awards are regarded as one of the UK hospitality industry’s most respected accolades, celebrating excellence, innovationand talent across the country’s bar scene.
Liverpool-based GSG Hospitality, led by co-owners John Ennis and Matt Farrell and business partner Nick Thomas was awarded the newly introduced Bar Business of the Year title, createdby CLASS magazine to honour hospitality operators demonstrating resilience, creativity and sustained growth.
Over the past two decades, GSG Hospitality has built an impressive portfolio of venues across the North West, becoming one of the region’s most influential independent hospitality operators. The group owns and operates a collection of much-loved bars across Liverpool and Manchester including Salt Dog Slims, tequila and mezcal bar El Bandito, Manolo, cocktail venue 81Ltd, and late-night concept MDNT, alongside a wider portfolio spanning almost 20 venues.
Known for creating distinctive venues with a strong focus on atmosphere, drinks and customer experience, GSG Hospitality has played a significant role in shaping the nightlife cultureof Liverpool and beyond.
John Ennis, co-owner of GSG Hospitality, said: “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. Hospitality has faced some serious challenges in recent years, so this is a real credit to our teams across every venue who work unbelievably hard to create great experiences for our customers every day.
“We’ve always believed in doing things independently and building venues with personality, energy and strong hospitality at their core. From Salt Dog Slims to Manolo, 81 Ltd and MDNT,every site has its own identity, and this award recognises the collective effort behind all of them.”
The CLASS Bar Awards judges described GSG Hospitality as “an indie business with a prolific output over two decades”, highlighting the group’s impact and longevity within the UK hospitality sector.
The award marks another milestone for GSG Hospitality as it continues to expand and evolve its portfolio while championing independent hospitality in the North West.
