Toast the City Awards Make a Triumphant Return for 2026
The highly anticipated Toast the City Awards are officially back for their second year, promising to be bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever before. This prestigious event will once again spotlight the exceptional restaurants, bars, green spaces, and cultural hotspots that define the Square Mile as one of London's most vibrant destinations for both work and leisure.
Building on a Successful Inaugural Year
Following a remarkable debut in 2025, the awards continue to honor the venues that shape the City's dynamic landscape. Last year's winners, selected through public nominations, included Galvin La Chapelle for Best Restaurant, The Wolseley for Best Breakfast, Humble Grape for Best Bar, and The Rising Sun for Best Boozer. These establishments set a high standard, showcasing the diverse offerings within the Square Mile.
An Esteemed Judging Panel Assembles
To determine the 2026 winners, the awards welcome back a distinguished judging panel featuring past winners alongside prominent hospitality leaders. The panel includes industry heavyweights such as Martin Williams from Evolv Collection, Karan Gokani of Hoppers, and Leonid Shutov from Bob Bob Ricard. They will be joined by other influential figures dedicated to identifying the City's finest coffees, sandwiches, and green spaces, ensuring a comprehensive and expert evaluation.
Creating a Lasting Legacy and Resource
Beyond recognizing top venues, the Toast the City Awards will again produce a lasting digital resource on City AM, detailing the stories behind the establishments that are currently shaping the Square Mile. Visitors can navigate to the dedicated Toast the City tab on the City AM website to access the latest news, profiles of nominees, judges, past winners, and upcoming hopefuls, providing an in-depth look at the City's evolving scene.
What to Anticipate for the 2026 Event
The awards ceremony is scheduled for autumn at the Steel Yard in the City of London, an impressive venue set to host the presentation of the coveted Slice of Toast trophies. Attendees can expect an event that is unexpected, informal, and, most importantly, fun, reflecting the lively spirit of the Square Mile.
Head judge Steve Dinneen expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Last year's Toast the City awards exceeded our expectations, with over 30,000 votes cast for nearly 2,000 nominated businesses. The event itself was incredible, bringing together talented individuals to celebrate the Square Mile collectively."
Strong Partnerships and Community Support
The awards are proud to partner once more with the Square Mile's five Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), organizations that possess unparalleled knowledge of the City and are committed to championing its food, drink, and cultural offerings. Their involvement underscores the community-driven nature of the event.
Nominations Now Open
Nominations for the 2026 Toast the City Awards are officially open, providing an opportunity for the public to highlight their favorite places in the Square Mile. The nomination period will close on June 19, so participants are encouraged to submit their choices promptly to ensure their voices are heard in this celebration of local excellence.
