Morley, who runs London restaurant 2210 by NattyCanCook, was recognised for raising the profile of Caribbean cuisine, winning both the People’s Choice Person of the Year Award and the Best Caribbean Food category at the awards, which were held earlier this week.
Other winners included Nigerian tapas restaurant Chuku’s, which was voted People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year; Birmingham beer writer, journalist and broadcaster Marverine Cole, who was named Beverage Professional of the Year; and Welsh-Jordanian Ayesha Kalaji has been recognised for her unique style of Middle Eastern cuisine at her restaurant Queen of Cups.
Chef Dijön Bascombe was named Rising Star for creating one of the UK’s most respected gluten-free brands with his 100% coeliac-safe pizza Good F’ing Pizza; and Pakistani chef Saliha Khan took home the South Asian Award.
The BIH Spotlight Icon Award was awarded to the late chef Dominic Taylor, who passed away earlier this year. Honouring his outstanding talent and contribution to hospitality and Caribbean fine dining, entrepreneur, celebrity chef and musician Levi Roots presented the award to Taylor’s family on the night.
Now in their fifth year, the BIH Spotlight Awards celebrate the achievements of the sector’s Black and ethnic minority talent. The award winners were announced across 16 categories, spanning chefs, restaurants, pubs, drinks professionals, brands, cuisines, people leaders and writers.
The awards recognise talent at every stage of their journey, from emerging individuals and independent operators to established experts, brands and businesses; with the 2026 finalists representing seven regions of the UK and more than 10 cuisines.
“Every year, these awards bring new stories, journeys and ambitions from 60 finalists,” says Lorraine Copes, founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality.
“What has remained constant over the past five years is the exhilaration, celebration and connections forged between our community and partners, a reminder of hospitality’s bright future.
“Recognition and visibility for deserving people and businesses matter more than ever. Hospitality is a tough industry to navigate, and my hope is that these awards continue to give our finalists the encouragement and momentum to keep moving forward.”
The Spotlight Awards 2026 full list of winners
Chef of the Year - Ayesha Kalaji - Queen of Cups
Rising Star - Dijön Bascombe, Chef & Founder - Dijön Cafe, London
Writer of the Year - Safiya Robinson - Sisterwoman
Wine Professional of the Year - Emmanuel Mireku - Manny Does Wine
Beverage Professional of the Year - Marverine Cole - Accredited Beer Sommelier
Head Office Impact - Priya Narain, Head of Purpose & Programmes - KERB+
African Food - Chishuru
Caribbean Food - 2210 by NattyCanCook
East and Southeast Asian Food - Liu Xiaomian
South Asian Food - Third Culture Kat
Middle Eastern Food - Mouna’s Kitchen
People’s Choice Person of the Year - Nathaniel Mortley - 2210 by NattyCanCook
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year - Chuku’s
Bar/Pub of the Year - House of MOBO
Brand of the Year - Flake Bake