Announced last night (21 October) at an awards ceremony at M Threadneedle Street, the evening celebrated winners across 15 categories, including Chef of the Year, Brand of the Year, Pub of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Writer of the Year, African Food, Caribbean Food, East & Southeast Asian Food, Middle Eastern Food, and South Asian Food.
Mandy Yin from Sambal Shiok was named Chef of the Year while chef Dom Taylor won in the Brand of the Year category. Food writer Romy Gill was named Writer of the Year, with Darryl Collins from Hotel Endsleigh in Tavistock named Pastry Chef of the Year.
Other winners were Olawale Makinde from Leonardo Royal Hotel in Birmingham in the People’s Choice Person of the Year category and Borough Yards restaurant Akara in the People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year category, which were decided by the public after some 800 votes were cast.
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.
This year’s judging panel included Nitisha Patel, development chef and founder of Nitisha Patel Food Consultancy; Mike Reid, culinary director at Rare Restaurants; Monica Berg, co-founder of Tayēr + Elementary; and chef and writer Akwasi Brenya-Mensah.
“Once again, I have been absolutely blown away by the energy, vibrancy, and collective celebration experienced at these awards,” says Copes.
“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.”
The full list of winners
Writer of the Year – Romy Gill
Chef of the Year – Mandy Yin, Sambal Shiok
Drinks Professional of the Year – Paul Rutasikwa, Matugga Rum
Pastry Chef of the Year – Darryl Collins, Hotel Endsleigh
Rising Star – Davina Dhami, Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
Head Office Impact – Nikita Mathew, Burger & Lobster
Brand of the Year – Dom Taylor
Bar or Pub of the Year – 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 – Olawale Makinde, Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year – Akara
