Iconic Blackpool restaurant Michael Wan's Mandarin & Wok Inn shortlisted for top BIH Spotlight Award
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‘Michael Wan’s is more than accustomed to welcoming celebrity guests’
Blackpool's iconic Michael Wan's Mandarin & Wok Inn has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
The restaurant in Clifton Street has been recognised in the East and Southeast Asian Food category at the 2026 BIH Spotlight Awards.
Founded in 1961, the long-established Cantonese institution is among the businesses recognised for exceptional hospitality.
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Only last week, darts ace Luke Littler was there enjoying a meal in between matches at PDC World Matchplay Darts Championship.
Returning headline sponsor OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, will join BIH at Quaglino's, London, on Monday 12 October 2026, where winners across 15 award categories will be announced.
Following a rigorous judging process, an independent panel of hospitality leaders selected finalists recognised for their accomplishments, leadership, and innovation.
This year's judges included Shereen Ritchie, Managing Director of Kuvi Hospitality; Clement Ogbonnaya MBE, Founder of the Village People Pub Company; Laure Bornet, SVP of International Growth at OpenTable; and Junior Lewis, Global Hospitality Client Consultant at Caterer.com, alongside other senior industry leaders.
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Michael Wan’s is more than accustomed to welcoming celebrity guests.
Fellow PDC favourites Owen Binks and Kirk Bevin’s enjoyed a meal earlier this year, and comedian James Acaster visited the restaurant in April 2026.
Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, said: "The BIH Spotlight Awards celebrate some of the very best talent in our sector, but they also shine a light on the breadth of opportunities that hospitality offers.
“This year's finalists demonstrate that there is no single route into our industry or to success.”
The shortlist comprises 60 finalists across 15 categories, representing seven regions of the UK and more than ten cuisines.
It brings together talent from major restaurant and hotel groups alongside independent restaurants, bars and hospitality businesses, celebrating established leaders, emerging professionals and the next generation of industry talent.