The awards are the first from the group that celebrate diverse talent within the hospitality industry in the UK.
More than 400 public nominations were received for businesses and individuals of exceptional talent and achievement from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds working within the UK hospitality industry.
In the category of for best bar/pub are Lucy Do, of the Dodo Micropub, in Hanwell, west London; Clement Ogbonnaya of the Prince of Peckham, Peckham, south London; Erika Haigh of Moto, Covent Garden, central London; and Chandramauli Dwivedi, of the Brewers Inn, Cambridge.
Drinks Professional award
Meanwhile, in the category of Drinks Professional of the Year, the finalists are Nina Dornoo-Dornor – Cocktail Mania, London; Imie Augier – Soda and Friends, London; Rod Eslamieh - Chapter 72, London; and Deano Moncrieffe - Hacha Bar, London.
The judging panel is made up of industry dignitaries that include TV presenter and celebrity chef Andi Oliver; Des Gunewardena, chief executive and chairman of restaurant group D&D London.
Andi Oliver said: “I’m so excited about the BIH Spotlight Awards, we're showcasing a veritable tidal wave of talent from right across our nation. It's a wonderful testament to the beauty of Britain's multicultural culinary landscape. The shortlist is in and we're off.”
Outstanding response
Lorraine Copes, founder of BIH added: “We’ve received an outstanding response to the first ever BIH Spotlight Awards. It has been moving to read about some of the stories of resilience, passion, and community in some of the nominations received.
“The judging panel has selected an amazing talent pool of chefs, restaurants, and entrepreneurs as finalists across the UK. I am beyond excited to celebrate all of the finalists, along with announcing the winners on 24 October.”
The winners of the BIH Spotlight Awards will be announced at a live awards ceremony on Monday 24 October at Percy’s, Kensington, London.
Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) is a not-for-profit organisation, founded by Lorraine Copes in 2020 to build a thriving community to accelerate race equity within hospitality, food and drink.
