Winners of 2024 Be Inclusive Hospitality Spotlight Awards announced

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) announced the winners of its third BIH Spotlight Awards during a ceremony at M, Threadneedle Street, London, on 21 November. 

The evening celebrated winners across a wide range of categories, including Mandy Yin (Sambal Shiok) for Chef of the Year, Chef Dom Taylor for Brand of the Year and The Quirky Oven for African Food of the Year. 

Other awards presented on the night were Drinks Professional of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Writer of the Year, Rising Star, Head Office Impact, 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, decided by the public. 

This year's judging panel showcased an extensive list of hospitality leaders, including Nitisha Patel, development chef and founder of Nitesha Patel Food Consultancy, culinary director of Rare Restaurants Mike Reid, co-founder of Tayēr + Elementary Monica Berg, founder and executive director of Peach 20/20 Peter Martin, chef and writer Akwasi Brenya-Mensah, and people director at Rare Restaurants, Joanne Sullivan. 

Lorraine Copes, founder of BIH, comments: "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 the 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."

The BIH Spotlight Awards 2024 winners are:

Writer of the Year, sponsored by Decanter

• Romy Gill

Chef of the Year, sponsored by The Caterer

• 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 Queen

• 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

(Image: Freezeframe Media)

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