The City of London is not only the country’s financial heart – home to 600,000 workers and 47million visitors a year – it’s also a thriving hub for world class restaurants, bars, and cultural
projects.

City AM, in partnership with the five City Business Improvement Districts, has launched the inaugural Toast the City Awards 2025, which will celebrate both new and established institutions, along with the people behind them who have helped shape the Square Mile into one of London’s most vibrant destinations.

The awards will bring together top names in hospitality to select the best pubs, restaurants, entertainment spots, sandwich shops, hotels, venues and outdoor spaces, all nominated by our readers. We’ll highlight the very best and create a permanent resource on cityam.com to share the stories behind each nominee and winner.

Judges for these Awards include:
– Steve Dinneen – City AM Life & Style Editor + Head Judge
– Tom Sellers – Chef patron Restaurant Story
– Martin Williams – CEO at Evolv (formerly D&D London)
– Kate Hart – CEO Eastern City BID
– Yasmin Jaunbocus – Head of PR at Hot Sauce
– Gareth Banner – Group Managing Director of The Ned
– Jaspreet Hodgson – Vintry Ward, City of London
– Libby Brodie – City AM Wine Columnist
– Tony Matharu – Founder Blue Orchid
– James Robson – Founder Fallow, Roe
– Allen Simpson – Deputy Chief Executive of UKHospitality
– Tun Shin – Food Photographer & Content Creator
– Lylaa Ali Shaikh – Food Influencer
– David Harry, AKA TheLondonSpy – London tour Guide
– Adam Bloodworth – City AM Journalist

The Toast Awards celebration will takeplace in October 2025, with nominations opening today.

With 18 categories to choose from, nominations are now open. Visit
https://www.cityamevents.co.uk/toast-awards to nominate your favourite spot now.

City AM’s CEO Harry Owen said:
“20 years ago we basically had to choose between Sweetings and The Don for lunch – now the choice in The City of London is extraordinary – world class! I’m keen that these awards celebrate those hospitality professionals working here, from the humble local sandwich shop to the two Michelin starred restaurants. Plus, I’m excited to walk through the Square Mile in a couple of years and see Toast shaped Michelin stickers on the windows of restaurants and bars.”

Steve Dinneen, City AM’s Lifestyle Editor and Head Judge of the Toast Awards said:
“I’ve covered food and drink in the City for more than 15 years and it really is one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of London, home to restaurants, bars and cultural experiences to rival any in the land. We’ve assembled some of the finest minds in food and drink to help us pick some of our favourite spots – I can’t wait to give the businesses here the recognition they deserve. Toast the City is going to be one of the most exciting Square mile events of the year and I’m extremely proud to be a part of it.”

Ailsa Anderson, Director of Marketing and Communications at Eastern City (Business Improvement District) said:
“The five City Business Improvement Districts are thrilled to be sponsoring the inaugural Toast the City Awards. These awards will celebrate the best of the best in our community, from where to get the best sandwich to the place you want to sit and enjoy the gorgeous City landscape.

“BIDS are all about creating a vibrant, thriving community in one of London’s most dynamic areas, focusing on bringing the best of both the old and the new to life. From improving public spaces and promoting local businesses to hosting events and boosting the area’s arts and
culture scene, the BIDs work to make this part of London a welcoming and exciting place for everyone.

“Our business community, ranging from global corporations to hotels and restaurants, contribute to make this area a vibrant hub of commerce, innovation and culture and ensure this area remains a leading destination for work, leisure and growth. We very much look forward to TOASTING the nominations as they come in!”