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
