By Denis Sheehan, Publisher, H&C News: Be Inclusive Hospitality launches first UK Spotlight Awards.
Be Inclusive Hospitality founded by Lorraine Copes to advance racial equity in Hospitality, Food and Drink, is proud to announce its inaugural BIH Spotlight Awards, taking place on 24 October 2022.
The awards will celebrate businesses and individuals of exceptional talent and achievement from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds working within the hospitality industry today.
Nominations open on 2 August 2022 across 11 Award Categories:
- Chef of the Year
- African Food
- Caribbean Food
- East and South East Asian Food
- South Asian Food
- Middle Eastern Food
- Bar/Pub of the Year
- Drinks Professional of the Year
- Writer of the Year
- Head Office Impact
- Rising star
The public are invited to put forward nominations across all categories, and self-nominations are also welcomed. The shortlist and winners will be decided by our expert judging panel.
In addition, there will be two Peoples’ Choice awards which will be decided upon calculating the most nominated person and restaurant.
- The Peoples’ Choice Person of the Year
- The Peoples’ Choice Restaurant of the Year
The shortlist will be published on 24 September 2022 and winners announced at a live event ceremony on Monday, 24 October 2022 at Percy’s London.
The judging panel for the BIH Spotlight Awards will be co-chaired by two of the industry’s most respected personalities, TV presenter and celebrity chef Andi Oliver alongside CEO and Chairman of luxury restaurant group D+D London, Des Gunewardena.
Joining them on the judging panel will be food and diversity consultant Mallika Bassu; Masterchef winner and restauranteur, Shelina Permaloo; author and chef, Mike Reid; global rum brand ambassador, Ian Burrell; wine and sake educator, Shane Jones.
Andi Oliver commented saying: “I am thrilled to be working with the brilliant Lorraine Copes and Be Inclusive Hospitality on these hugely significant awards. We all love our industry but there is no denying it needs a shake up! The way that we view excellence can and should be expanded. There are amazing chefs from a plethora of backgrounds, working all over the country, who are creating stunning food that reflects the multiplicity of culture in the UK. This is a way to uplift and celebrate their work! And right on time it is too.”
Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality told us: “Our aim for the BIH Spotlight Awards is to present opportunities for the nominees and winners alike enabling them to advance and widen their business networks and audiences. We look forward to celebrating the success of some of the brightest stars of the present and the future.”
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