The third year of the BIH Spotlight Awards, which will recognise the exceptional talent of black, Asian and ethnic minorities working within hospitality, food and drink across the UK, will take place on Monday 21 October at M Threadneedle Street, London.
The pub/bar winner last year was The Village People, based in Peckham.
Also in the running for the best chef category is The Morning Advertiser opinion column writer Ayesha Kalaji who operates the Queen of Cups.
Inclusive and fair
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.
This year’s judging panel showcases an extensive list of esteemed hospitality leaders, including Nitisha Patel, development chef and founder of Nitisha Patel Food Consultancy, 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.
Highlight talent
Copes said: “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.
“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 21 October."
The finalists in all 15 categories are as follows:
Chef of the Year - Sponsored by Caterer.com
1. Ayesha Kalaji - Queen of Cups
2. Mandy Yin - Sambal Shiok
3. Safiya Robinson - Sisterwoman Vegan
4. Maria Bradford - Shwen Shwen
Drinks Professional of the Year - Sponsored by Rémy Cointreau
1. Paul Rutasikwa - Matugga Rum
2. Haps Dhand - Hey Bartender and Beverage Boutique
3. Mags Janjo - MJ Wine Cellars
4. Eron Mibo - Tales and Tails UK
Pastry Chef of the Year
1. Benjamina Ebuehi - Benjamina Ebuehi
2. Darryl Collins - Hotel Endsleigh
3. Michael Kwan - The Dorchester
4. Sara Assad-Mannings - Bunhead Bakery
Writer of the Year - Sponsored by Decanter
1. Riaz Phillips
2. Maria Bradford - Shwen Shwen
3. Romy Gill
4. Jonathan Nunn - Vittles
Rising Star
1. Olawale Makinde - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
2. Davina Dhami - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
3. Rizwan Khan - Junsei
4. Phylisha Wisdom - The Glitch
Head Office Impact
1. Nikita Mathew - Burger & Lobster
2. Shelly Sharma - Go Ask Eve
3. Jackie Hidalgo - JKS Restaurants
4. Leon Seraphin - Beyond Food Foundation
Brand of the Year
1. Reign Rum
2. Chef Dom Taylor
3. The Flygerians
4. Kromanti Rum
Bar or Pub of the Year - Sponsored by V Rum/WSET School London
1. Eko Brewery and Tap Room
2. Trailer Happiness
3. The White Horse, Buckover
4. Jumbi
African Food
1. RJ’s Cuisine
2. Suyaman
3. The Quirky Oven
4. Jollof Mama
Caribbean Food
1. Jamaya
2. Ayannas London
3. Sweet Dee’s Jerk
4. Patois Food
East & Southeast Asian Food
1. BAO
2. Little Yellow Rice Co.
3. Maginhawa Group
4. Sambal Shiok
Middle Eastern Food
1. Bunhead Bakery
2. Berenjak
3. Akub
4. Maroush
South Asian Food
1. Maasi’s
2. Lorna’s Indian Kitchen
3. Arti-Cooks
4. Romy Gill
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year - Sponsored by OpenTable
1. Chishuru
2. Opheem
3. Gouqi
4. Akara
People’s Choice Person of the Year - Sponsored by Deliveroo
1. Hadas Hagos - Waste Not Want Not Battersea
2. Colinda Colaco - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
3. Vicky Ilankovan - Equal Measures
4. Olawale Makinde - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham