Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH), announced the winners for its 3rd BIH Spotlight Awards during an exciting awards ceremony at M Threadneedle Street, London last night. Founded by Lorraine Copes in 2020, BIH is a not-for-profit organisation recognising exceptional talent of Black, Asian and ethnic minorities working within hospitality, food and drink, across the UK.
The evening celebrated winners across a wide variety of categories, including Mandy Yin (Sambal Shiok) for Chef of the Year, Chef Dom Taylor for Brand of the Year and Eko Brewery and Tap Room for Bar or Pub of the Year.
Additional awards presented were Drinks Professional of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Writer of the Year, Rising Star, Head Office Impact, African Food, Caribbean Food, East & Southeast Asian Food, Middle Eastern Food, South Asian Food, plus People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year and People’s Choice Person of the Year, which were decided by the public, after 800 votes were cast.
This year’s judging panel showcased an extensive list of esteemed hospitality leaders, including Nitisha Patel, Development Chef and founder of Nitisha Patel Food Consultancy, Culinary Director of Rare Restaurants Mike Reid, Co-Founder of Tayēr + Elementary Monica Berg, Founder & Executive Director of Peach 20/20 Peter Martin, Chef & Writer Akwasi Brenya-Mensah, and People Director at Rare Restaurants, Joanne Sullivan.
Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, Lorraine Copes, said: “Once again, I have been absolutely blown away by the energy, vibrancy, and collective celebration experienced at these awards. We have a national community, with attendees from Scotland, Wales, Birmingham, and beyond – all coming together to celebrate the brilliant businesses and individuals bringing passion and innovation into hospitality industry. The number of entries and attendees has truly reinforced the importance of these awards, and we remain committed to shining a bright spotlight on those who are truly deserving.”
Winners for all 15 categories are:
Writer of the Year – Sponsored by Decanter
- Romy Gill
Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Caterer.com
- Mandy Yin – Sambal Shiok
Drinks Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Rémy Cointreau
- Paul Rutasikwa – Matugga Rum
Pastry Chef of the Year
- Darryl Collins – Hotel Endsleigh
Rising Star – Sponsored by Moët Hennessey
- Davina Dhami – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
Head Office Impact
- Nikita Mathew – Burger & Lobster
Brand of the Year
- Chef Dom Taylor
Bar or Pub of the Year – Sponsored by V Rum/ WSET School London
- Eko Brewery and Tap Room
African Food
- The Quirky Oven
Caribbean Food
- Jamaya
East & Southeast Asian Food
- Little Yellow Rice Co.
Middle Eastern Food
- Bunhead Bakery
South Asian Food
- Maasi’s
People’s Choice Person of the Year – Sponsored by Deliveroo
- Olawale Makinde – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by OpenTable
- Akara