Five south London restaurants have been named as some of the UK’s “happiest” places to work.

The CODE Hospitality Happiest Place to Work awards celebrates the UK’s most progressive and happiest places to work.

This year the overall winner for 2024 was none other than the Peckham-based Forza restaurant group, with a further 21 companies being named as some of the UK’s best hospitality businesses to work.

Out of the 22 UK businesses, five based in south London were named for their “standard setting” environments for employees.

Respondents anonymously answered 10 questions (for example: “I can be myself at work” and “I have sufficient opportunities for team socialising and bonding”) to generate an overall Happiness Score and Advocacy Score for each company. 

This year’s list, sponsored by Planday, received over 2,500 responses across 300 nominated companies.

Here’s the full list:

Forza Restaurants, London

Forza was named as this year's winner with a happiness score of 766.5 and an advocacy score of 9.3.

The restaurant grew from a Peckham pop-up before opening restaurants in Rye Lane and the Royal National Theatre, with a team of 100 employees strong.

Forza was named as this year's winner with a happiness score of 766.5 and an advocacy score of 9.3.Forza was named as this year's winner with a happiness score of 766.5 and an advocacy score of 9.3. (Image: CODE Hospitality) The business was named winner by judges on account of its staff welfare and community projects, creating work experience and entry-level roles for vulterable or at risk 16–18-year-olds.

Chefs in Schools, Brixton

Charity mission Chefs in Schools was created a decade ago in a bid to transform school food and food in education, by delivering nutritious meals to schools.

Chefs in Schools was created a decade ago in a bid to transform school food and food in education.Chefs in Schools was created a decade ago in a bid to transform school food and food in education. (Image: CODE Hospitality) The business was rated a happiness score of 856.6 and an advocacy score of 10 based on responses from 23 staff members.

Crystal Palace Wine Club, Crystal Palace

This small business first began in 2021 and serves as a wine bar, wine school and event space specialising in all things wine.

The business was commended on account of its “fluid team environment”, where staff receive formal training including a WSET qualification.

Crystal Palace Wine Club was commended on account of its “fluid team environment”.Crystal Palace Wine Club was commended on account of its “fluid team environment”. (Image: CODE Hospitality) The team of seven staff scored the business a happiness rating of 867.8 and an advocacy score of 9.8.

Mr Bao Group, Peckham, Tooting and Shepherd’s Bush

Mr Bao is a popular London-based Taiwanese restaurant serving their popular fluffy bao buns across three London locations in Peckham, Tooting and Westfield Shopping Centre.

Mr Bao is a popular London-based Taiwanese restaurant serving their popular fluffy bao buns across three London locations.Mr Bao is a popular London-based Taiwanese restaurant serving their popular fluffy bao buns across three London locations. (Image: CODE Hospitality) The restaurant hires a team of 95 strong across its three restaurants, where staff gave a happiness score of 763.3 and an advocacy score of 8.9.

The business was commended on its “welcoming” atmosphere for people of diverse backgrounds, as well as its good communication and transparency.

TOAD Bakery, Camberwell

Finally on the list, this popular independent Camberwell bakery, serving up popular treats like Harry’s hobnobs and chocolate buns, was rated on account of its “compassionate leaders” Rebecca Sapaven and Oliver Costello.

The business’ 12 staff gave it a happiness score of 662.7 and an advocacy score of 10, and every employee surveyed said they’d recommend working there.

TOAD Bakery was rated on account of its “compassionate leaders” Rebecca Sapaven and Oliver Costello.TOAD Bakery was rated on account of its “compassionate leaders” Rebecca Sapaven and Oliver Costello. (Image: CODE Hospitality) Planday CEO Dave Lee said: cPlanday are delighted to be involved with CODE’s Happiest Places to Work and support through our Single Biggest Shift Campaign, highlighting the importance of retaining and sustaining a healthy hospitality business.

“Happy teams are crucial in hospitality and what better way to support that, than to honour those leaders making the industry a happier place to work.“