Be Inclusive Hospitality Spotlight Awards finalists revealed

By Joe Lutrario

- Last updated on GMT

Be Inclusive Hospitality Spotlight Awards finalists revealed
Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH), has revealed the finalists for its third BIH Spotlight Awards, which will recognise the talent of Black, Asian, and ethnic minorities working within hospitality, food, and drink, across the UK.

Be Inclusive Hospitality, was founded by Lorraine Copes in 2020, with a goal of creating an inclusive and fair hospitality sector. 

The BIH Spotlight Awards will celebrate winners across 15 categories, with two winners already decided by the public, after over 800 votes were cast. The ceremony will take place on 21 October at M restaurant in The City of London. 

This year’s judging panel includes development chef Nitisha Patel, 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. 

“It genuinely feels like a privilege each year to receive hundreds of nominations about brilliant, ethnically diverse talent in hospitality across the UK - some of whom I have never encountered before,” Copes says. 

“These awards were intentionally designed to highlight such talent, and I can’t wait to celebrate the finalists and winners at the awards ceremony on 21st October.”

Tickets for the BIH Spotlight Awards can be purchased here.​ 

The finalists in all 15 categories are as follows. 

Chef of the Year 

Ayesha Kalaji - Queen of Cups 
Mandy Yin - Sambal Shiok 
Safiya Robinson - Sisterwoman Vegan 
Maria Bradford - Shwen Shwen 

Drinks Professional of the Year 

Paul Rutasikwa - Matugga Rum 
Haps Dhand - Hey Bartender and Beverage Boutique 
Mags Janjo - MJ Wine Cellars 
Eron Mibo - Tales and Tails UK 

Pastry Chef of the Year​ 

Benjamina Ebuehi - Benjamina Ebuehi 
Darryl Collins - Hotel Endsleigh 
Michael Kwan - The Dorchester 
Sara Assad-Mannings - Bunhead Bakery 

Writer of the Year 

Riaz Phillips
Maria Bradford - Shwen Shwen 
Romy Gill
Jonathan Nunn - Vittles 

Rising Star
Olawale Makinde - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 
Davina Dhami - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 
Rizwan Khan - Junsei 
Phylisha Wisdom - The Glitch 

Head Office Impact 

Nikita Mathew - Burger & Lobster 
Shelly Sharma - Go Ask Eve 
Jackie Hidalgo - JKS Restaurants 
Leon Seraphin - Beyond Food Foundation 

Brand of the Year 

Reign Rum 
Chef Dom Taylor 
The Flygerians 
Kromanti Rum 

Bar or Pub of the Year 

Eko Brewery and Tap Room 
Trailer Happiness 
The White Horse, Buckover 
Jumbi 

African Food 

RJ’s Cuisine 
Suyaman 
The Quirky Oven 
Jollof Mama 

Caribbean Food 

Jamaya 
Ayannas London 
Sweet Dee’s Jerk 
Patois Food 

East & Southeast Asian Food​ 

BAO 
Little Yellow Rice Co.
Maginhawa Group 
Sambal Shiok 

Middle Eastern Food 

Bunhead Bakery 
Berenjak 
Akub 
Maroush 

South Asian Food 

Maasi’s 
Lorna’s Indian Kitchen 
Arti-Cooks 
Romy Gill 

People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year 

Chishuru 
Opheem 
Gouqi 
Akara 

People’s Choice Person of the Year 

Hadas Hagos - Waste Not Want Not Battersea 
Colinda Colaco - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 
Vicky Ilankovan - Equal Measures 
Olawale Makinde - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham

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