Recognition at Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2026 and national culinary competition highlights strength of team, customer service and guest experience.
Nottingham Venues is celebrating a standout month after securing two major accolades at the Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2026, alongside further success at a national culinary competition.
The collection of venues, set within the University of Nottingham campus, was named Business Events Venue of the Year, while its 4* Orchard Hotel took home the Hotel of the Year award. The recognition highlights the strength of Nottingham Venues’ offering across both corporate and leisure markets, as well as its continued investment in delivering an exceptional guest experience.
Judges praised Nottingham Venues’ Business Events offering for its “exceptional, warm and professional welcome” and the transformation of its arrival experience following recent refurbishments. They highlighted the flexibility and atmosphere of the spaces, the quality of meeting and accommodation facilities, and the visible pride and passion of the team, describing it as a “dynamic and memorable venue experience.”
The Orchard Hotel was recognised for its striking design, tranquil setting and high-quality refurbishment, with judges noting its “insta-worthy” public spaces and sophisticated feel. They also commended Bramley’s restaurant as a destination in its own right, alongside the hotel’s eco-conscious approach, consistent standards and ability to combine style with operational substance.
The awards, organised by Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, celebrate excellence across the region’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors, recognising organisations that are setting the benchmark for quality, innovation and service.
The double win reflects a year of strong performance for Nottingham Venues, underpinned by significant investment in its facilities, including the £1 million refurbishment of The Orchard Hotel and Bramley’s Restaurant. The transformation has enhanced both the guest experience and the venue’s appeal as a leading destination for conferences, events and overnight stays.
It is also double good news for the team, following success earlier this month at the Venues of Excellence Cook and Serve Challenge 2026. Nottingham Venues colleagues were recognised among the best in the industry, with Aphinnat Kinnaret winning Best Starter (Senior Category) and Bar Manager Denzil D’Silva taking home Best Cocktail (Senior Category). The competition brings together leading venues from across the UK, showcasing excellence in culinary and hospitality skills.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive both Business Events Venue of the Year and Hotel of the Year. Having won silver in both categories last year, it is brilliant to go one step further and win gold this year. These awards are a real reflection of the passion and professionalism of our teams, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding experiences for our guests.
Stephanie Moss-Pearce, Director of Marketing, Nottingham Venues
To also see our colleagues recognised on a national stage at the Cook and Serve Challenge makes this achievement even more special. It speaks to the depth of talent we have across the business, from our chefs through to our front-of-house teams, and the pride everyone takes in what they do.”
Amanda Pettingill, Chief Campus and Commercial Services Officer at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Venues Board Member added: “This is a fantastic achievement for Nottingham Venues and a proud moment for everyone involved. These awards recognise not only the quality of the facilities, but the long-term investment, clear vision and strong culture that sits behind them.
The team’s commitment to creating an environment where people can thrive, combined with a continued focus on enhancing the estate, is clearly delivering results and reinforcing Nottingham Venues’ position as a leading destination for business events and hospitality.”
Nottingham Venues comprises a collection of spaces including the East Midlands Conference Centre, The Orchard Hotel, Jubilee Hotel & Conferences and Campus Venues. Together, they welcome tens of thousands of delegates, guests and visitors each year, supporting both the regional visitor economy and the wider business events sector.
For more information about Nottingham Venues visit: https://nottinghamvenues.com/
