The BRAVOs (Brighton Restaurant Awards Vote Online) are back for their 9th year, inviting the public to celebrate and support their favourite hospitality venues.
And this year’s campaign comes with a clear and vital message: Choose Local. In challenging times for the hospitality industry, the BRAVOs encourage everyone to enjoy local, independent venues, and vote for the best giving them a much-deserved boost.
Organised by Restaurants Brighton, the BRAVOs empower diners to vote for their favourite spots across 18 categories, shining a spotlight on the hard work, creativity, and passion of Brighton, Hove, and Sussex’s food and drink scene.
A Record-Breaking Year Ahead
With over 720 venues registered for 2025 – surpassing last year’s 680 nominees – the BRAVOs are on track for their biggest year yet. Public voting begins on 4th February running for six weeks before winners are announced on 3rd April. Organisers are hoping that
votes will exceed the 71,000 count from 2024.
What’s New for 2025?
1. Sustainability Front and Centre
Sustainability takes centre stage at BRAVO 2025, reflecting the growing importance of better practices within the hospitality industry. A standout feature this year is the Sustainable Champions category, where participating venues must complete a Sustainability Checklist to
enter.
Developed in partnership with the University of Brighton and Restaurants Brighton, this initiative encourages venues to record their sustainability journey, promoting long-term improvements that are good for people, planet and profit.
This year’s BRAVO trophies will once again be crafted by Designs Woodcraft, a Sussex-based family-run business renowned for their bespoke, recycled handmade furniture. With years of experience and many commissions for the hospitality industry, Designs Woodcraft embodies the spirit of sustainability. Their artisan-crafted trophies are a celebration of local craftsmanship and align perfectly with the BRAVOs’ commitment to supporting both local businesses and environmentally responsible practices.
In the spirit of reducing waste, this year the BRAVOs have eliminated the use of traditional printed voting cards. Instead, venues now receive individual QR codes for voting, streamlining the process while significantly reducing paper waste. Through these initiatives, BRAVO 2025 reinforces its dedication to making a positive impact on the environment while celebrating the very best of Brighton, Hove, and Sussex hospitality.
2. New Categories including Best Brews and Bakes
New for the BRAVOs 2025, the Best Brews and Bakes category celebrates your favourite indulgences. Perhaps it’s a perfectly poured cortado or a hand-mixed chai latte paired with a cinnamon bun at an indie café. Maybe it’s a lemon tart with a pot of Lapsang you savour occasionally or an annual Afternoon Tea with the family. Frankly, Brighton has it all! From simple pleasures to elaborate treats, this is your chance to honour the Best Brews and Bakes ‘known to humanity.’ See all category descriptions in full.
3. Iconic Brighton Marketing
Adding a touch of local artistry, Brighton-based illustrator Kirsti Davidson has joined the BRAVO 2025 campaign, creating stunning designs inspired by Brighton Pier. Her work brings a fresh, vibrant feel to the awards’ marketing materials, perfectly capturing the essence of the city.
A Celebration of Community and Creativity
More than just awards, The BRAVOs are a celebration of community spirit and the resilience of local hospitality.
Founder Nick Harvey shares: “BRAVO 2025 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting years yet. These awards are the biggest in the area, and we’re proud to continue innovating to celebrate local venues and engage the community. This year, we’re championing sustainability, making voting easier, and encouraging everyone to choose local. With more venues than ever involved, it’s a fantastic
opportunity to give the local hospitality industry the positive lift it deserves.”
Voting for the BRAVOs opens on 4th Feb and closes on 14th March. The winners are announced on 3rd April.
Find out more here.
