Recognising outstanding Restaurant Managers worldwide
Thank you to everyone who attended, supported or competed in RMOY 2026. More details about the 2027 competition will be released later this year. We hope to see you then!
The competition, now in its 17th year, took place at the exquisite Hotel Café Royal, London, on Monday 2 February 2026, where this year’s talent were put through their paces by the judges throughout the day before the winner was announced at the lavish evening reception.
Our shortlisted finalists for this year’s competition was:
This year’s winner was Joshua Oliver Ndirmbita, Restaurant Manager at Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, with Alessandro Passaglia AIH, restaurant manager at Aviator, Hampshire, named runner-up.
Read more about the 2026 event and the winner here.
Restaurant Manager of the Year 2027
Restaurant Managers from around the globe will be invited to compete in this prestigious competition to become the Restaurant Manager of the Year.
The competition aims to acknowledge and reward the best in the industry – whether small individual boutique establishments, popular fine-dining sites or those part of a larger food and beverage operation.
Anyone who fulfils the role of a Restaurant Manager is eligible to enter. You will need to be working full-time and have been in a team management position for at least five years. Your job title doesn’t have to be “Restaurant Manager”, but you should be undertaking the typical work and activities associated with the role: responsibility for the business performance and coordinating the operation of the restaurant.
If you have any further questions about RMOY 2027, contact the events team by email emma.ellis@instituteofhospitality.org or phone 020 8661 4918.
First Round
Entry is by online application. This includes details about you and your answers to the first-round questions. You also need to give the contact details of an industrial professional who can provide a reference. As well as completing and submitting your entry form, you must also upload a letter of endorsement and support from your Manager, Supervisor or GM (in PDF) as well as an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (in PDF). Entries are judged by a panel of judges and industry experts.
The closing date for entries will be confirmed later this year.
Shortlisting announced
The shortlisted finalists will be announced.
Semi-final, final and winners reception
The top-scoring candidates will be selected and invited to compete in the Semi-Finals and Live Final.
Finalists
During the morning session, candidates will be interviewed by industry professionals and tested on their Restaurant Management skills. The top four candidates will then be asked to participate in a Restaurant Management Skills scenario in front of a VIP audience. (All candidates will be involved to a degree in this event if they are not a finalist.)
Awards Ceremony
The winner will be announced and presented with their award at the Restaurant Manager of the Year Winner’s Reception in front of a highly influential and inspirational audience.
Prizes
Along with the trophy and prestigious title of Restaurant Manager of the Year 2027, the winner will also receive:
• A professional development programme designed around the winner, to assist them in their current role and develop their career.
• A year of tickets to attend the top IoH events of 2027, including Above & Beyond and the Annual Dinner & Awards
• Annual Membership of IoH
And much more (to be announced).
“Just go for it. Put yourself forward and go outside your comfort zone. Being part of the selected 16 semi-finalists was an incredible journey in itself. The quality of the people and the supportive experience are probably the main things I will get out of my entire journey here today. Everyone should do it just to connect with like-minded people and meet people that are the best, true versions of themselves.”
Alana Quigley
Restaurant Manager
Gleneagles Hotel
“It is a great opportunity to connect and network with other hospitality professionals, make new friendships and connections that will provide new opportunities and possibilities for you to continue to thrive and grow within the hospitality industry which continues with you after the competition”
Jessica Thompson MIH
General Manager & Co-owner
Mingary Castle
“The whole experience was exhilarating. But the best part was being able to sit in a room with nine other most equaling incredible people in their fields. The networking side was fabulous.”
Abigail Clark
Restaurant Manager
Charlie's Restaurant
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