News & Updates
Marston’s recognised for outstanding value and culinary leadership at menu innovation awards
11th March 2026
Marston’s has been recognised for its commitment to great value and culinary excellence, securing two major honours at the 2026 Menu Innovation and Development Awards (MIDAS) - one of the UK foodservice industry’s most respected recognition events.
At the ceremony, held at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on 5 March, Marston’s was named the winner of both the Value Pub Award and Inspirational Culinary Lead Award, reinforcing the quality of its menus and the impact of its chefs across the UK.
The Value Pub Award, collected by Chris Newman, Menu Development Manager at Marston’s, recognised the consistent high quality and strong value delivered across Marston’s local pubs and brought to life by our pub teams every day.
The Inspirational Culinary Lead Award was presented to Kevin Woodyet, Head of Food Category Management at Marston’s. Introduced as a new, peer‑voted category for 2026, the award celebrates culinary leaders who inspire their teams and raise standards across the wider hospitality sector, with Kevin recognised for his leadership, passion and commitment to developing people and menus that resonate with guests.
This year’s success builds on Marston’s strong track record at the MIDAS Awards, following a double win in 2025 for Best Kids Menu and Best Carvery / Sunday Concept.
Established in 2008, the MIDAS Awards celebrate excellence in foodservice, recognising creativity, innovation and exceptional menu development at scale. Winners are selected by a panel of experienced industry judges and mystery diners, all with extensive multisite menu expertise.
As part of their awards, Chris and Kevin will travel to Toronto in May to take part in the MIDAS Foodservice Network menu insight tour, exploring global food trends and bringing fresh inspiration back to Marston’s culinary teams.