To many the biggest individual award of the Class Bar Awards, Bar Manager of the Year sponsored by Italicus, was won by James Wheeler, a finalist in the category last year.
An ever-present in Lyaness' day-to-day today function, James has a vast remit at the Sea Containers London hotel bar. With experience across the gamut of hospitality’s venue styles, James brings his eye for service standards to this high-volume setting.
Managing a big team and even bigger expectations, he steers what is one of the most creatively ambitious bars in the world, balancing the health of the business and the company culture.
Though this is a business-focused role – not least converting profit at 40% - James’ passion is for his team, their development, careers and their happiness.
Finalists: Stefanie Anderson, Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh; Jacob Clarke, Couch, Birmingham; Josh Linfitt, Ugly Butterfly, Saint Ives