The Award, presented to individuals who have made a lasting and positive contribution to the sector over a period of time, recognises Reilley’s leading role in the stellar growth of Loungers and his influence across the wider hospitality sector. Since opening his first site in 2002, he has built Loungers into a quoted company with more than 170 venues under the Lounge and Cosy Club brands and a market capitalisation of around £280m.

The award was presented by industry investor and former YO! Sushi boss Robin Rowland, already an Icon recipient.

Peach 20/20 founder and executive director Peter Martin said: “Alex and his co-founders have created something very different in Loungers, and it has taken the nation by storm. There is still a lot of his own character in the way Loungers looks and operates, but he is also a shrewd leader who has recruited bright and talented people who share his vision and maintain the company’s momentum.”

He added: “It is a testament to Alex and his team that Loungers has emerged so strongly from the pandemic and is now back on the growth trail, with plans for 25 new sites every year. He is smart, passionate, focused and great company—a brilliant modern entrepreneur and a poster boy for our sector.”

Alex Reilley received the Award at a gala Hero & Icon Awards dinner following the Peach 20/20 Conference in London, attended by more than 300 senior executives and entrepreneurs.

He joins a select list of individuals who have been named Industry Icons since the Awards were launched. They are: Tim Bacon, John Barnes, Andy Bassadone, Peter Boizot, Rupert and Jo Clevely, Chris Corbin, Gerry Ford, Karen Forrester, James Horler, Tony Hughes, John Hutson, Bob Ivell, Alan Jackson, Karen Jones, Phillip Kaye, Jeremy King, Simon Kossoff, Tim Martin, Julian Metcalfe, Thomasina Miers, Ian Neill, Kate Nicholls, David Page, Ian Payne, Robin Rowland, Steve Richards and Mike Tye.

The gala dinner also hosted the presentation of 14 more Hero Awards recognising the success of companies and individuals across the eating and drinking out sector.

Peach 20/20 thanks its headline partners on the Hero & Icon Awards, CGA, Asahi, Bidfood, Diageo, Fourth, Stint and Zonal; premium partners Access and QSR Automations; and event partners Chapman Ventilation, Freeths, RSM, Yumpingo, Bacardi, CleanCo and White Claw.

 For all media enquiries, please contact peter.martin@peach2020.com.