Front of House Team of the Year
Front of House Team of the Year: Tom Ford and the Manifest Team, Liverpool
Founded by chef-patron Paul Durand and his partner Charlotte Jones, Manifest sits proudly in Liverpool’s vibrant Baltic Triangle. Housed in a former warehouse, the restaurant’s name nods to the cargo manifests that once moved through the city’s docks—a fitting tribute to Liverpool’s heritage and spirit. From the beginning, Manifest has set out to merge character, warmth and top-tier hospitality, combining an open kitchen, a wine-led small plate menu, and a front-of-house team dedicated to delivering nuanced, personable and genuine service in a relaxed yet refined setting.
At the heart of this approach is Tom Ford, who leads the front-of-house operations with an emphasis on authenticity, atmosphere and connection. For Tom, great service isn’t just about precision—it’s about creating a feeling, ensuring that every guest feels truly welcomed and at ease. His leadership has shaped a front-of-house team that’s both technically skilled and emotionally intelligent, defined by camaraderie, teamwork and a shared pride in the guest experience.
In 2025, Liverpool’s Manifest was crowned Front of House Team of the Year at The Staff Canteen Awards, with Tom and his team recognised for their exceptional hospitality and the warm,
engaging service that has become synonymous with the restaurant. Reflecting on the win, Tom said:
“I think this is testament to the fact that we have got the best front of house team. Not only do we get on incredibly well while we're at work, one might say we get on a little bit too well out of work as well! We're very lucky. We've got a fantastic relationship.”
Tom also credited chef-owner Paul Durand’s philosophy of “total hospitality” for shaping the culture that defines Manifest:
“What Paul has done in terms of the philosophy of what hospitality is in a restaurant—encompassing kitchen and front of house—definitely works. We thrive on it. It’s a fabulous place to work. I think it’s unique because it’s got a personality, it’s got character and it’s got an identity.”
That identity—rooted in Liverpool’s warmth and energy—resonates in every aspect of the Manifest experience. The team’s balance of professionalism, passion and personality embodies the modern face of hospitality, where the front-of-house is not merely a service arm but the heartbeat of the restaurant. Their award-winning teamwork stands as proof that when skill and spirit align, the result is hospitality at its most memorable and human.
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Front of House Team of the Year
