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  "path": "/2026/07/02/independent-restaurants-leaven-pizza-wins-best-italian-restaurant-in-the-midlands-and-maneki-ramen-shortlisted-for-chef-of-the-year/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-02T13:26:57.000Z",
  "site": "https://restaurantindustry.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Events"
  ],
  "textContent": "The Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026 saw double success for ART Hospitality group for both Independent businesses Celebrating the very best of the Midlands hospitality industry, the awards, held at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham with over 220 finalists competing across 32 categories. The evening was filled with a double success for ART Hospitality, the independent hospitality group where Leaven Pizza was crowned Best Italian Restaurant 2026. Leaven Pizza previously won the PAPA Award for Best Independent Pizzeria in the UK in 2024 and has been recognised as a finalist at the Italian Awards for two consecutive years. The Hereford-based pizzeria is known for making their fresh sourdough pizza’s, daily on site. Maneki Ramen, located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, and the sister brand as part of ART Hospitality was recognised among the region’s best chefs after Matt Nichols, Head Chef of Maneki Ramen on Ludgate Hill, was shortlisted for Chef of the Year at the prestigious Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2026. Maneki Ramen has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most exciting independent restaurants, serving modern interpretations of Japanese ramen and small plates in a vibrant, contemporary setting. Whilst Nichols narrowly missed out on taking home [...]",
  "title": "Independent Restaurants Leaven Pizza Wins Best Italian Restaurant in The Midlands and Maneki Ramen Shortlisted for Chef Of The Year"
}