Winners of inaugural 2022 BIH Spotlight Awards announced
Be Inclusive Hospitality proudly announced the winners for its BIH Spotlight Awards – the first ever awards to celebrate diverse talent within the hospitality industry in the UK – at a glitzy awards ceremony held in London at Percy’s Kensington this week, hosted by TV presenter, author and pastry chef, Ravneet Gill.
The BIH Spotlight Awards celebrated winners across 11 categories selected by industry leaders and peers from a shortlist of 44 finalists. There were also 2 People’s Choice Awards, chosen by the public.
The BIH Spotlight Awards judging panel was co-chaired by industry luminaries, TV presenter and celebrity chef Andi Oliver and co-founder of D&D London, Des Gunewardena. Alongside food and diversity consultant Mallika Basu; Masterchef winner and restaurateur, Shelina Permalloo; author and chef, Mike Reid; global rum ambassador, Ian Burrell; wine and sake educator, Shane Jones; CEO and founder of Umbrella Training, Adele C Oxberry; Co-owner of Tayēr + Elementary, Monica Berg; and chef consultant, Jay Morjaria.
Andi Oliver said: “The nominees have been amazing and inspiring – it’s so wonderful to get an insight into how the cross cultural creative culinary minds are ticking across the country. I am so hopeful for the future of our industry and the potential for true growth and inclusion. Congratulations to everyone see you all next year.”
Des Gunewardena remarked: “Reviewing, judging and scoring the 44 finalists was a formidable task…like a business version of the Eurovision Song Contest. I loved doing it. I was really impressed and touched by the stories behind so many of the people showcased here.
“We need more business leaders and successful entrepreneurs from Black, Asian and other minority backgrounds to serve as role models in order to encourage more young people from BAME communities to enter our industry. I think that Lorraine Cope’s excellent initiative in establishing the BIH Spotlight Awards will help do that.
Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality commented: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer exhilaration and joy that I experienced last night during our first BIH Spotlight Awards Ceremony. When launching these awards, my mission was to shine a much-needed spotlight for our community and to celebrate the individual brilliance, dedication and passion that exists in our industry. I want to thank the public for their nominations and our esteemed panel for their support and selection of our winners. My heartfelt congratulations go to our 13 winners on their resounding and continued success.”
The winners were as follows:
Chef of the Year
- Babatunde Abifarin – Farin Road – Edinburgh
African Food
- Maria Bradford, Shwen Shwen – Events caterer – Kent
Caribbean Food
- Lara Luck, Food by Lara Luck – food stylist and recipe developer – London
East and South East Asian Food
- John Li, The Dumpling Shack Group – London
South Asian Food
- Priya Deshingkar, Deccan Tiffin – Maharani Supper Club – Hove
Middle Eastern Food
- Ayesha Kalaji, Queen of Cups – Gastro Pub – Glastonbury
Bar/Pub of the Year
- The Dodo Micropub – Lucy Do, London
Drinks Professional of the Year
- Imie Augier – Soda and Friends, London
Writer of the Year
- David Jesudason
Head Office Impact
- Tasneem Sharrem, Professional and Engagement officer – Fat Macy’s – London
Rising Star
- Reuben Nehikhare, founder – The Parlor – London
People’s Choice Person of the Year
- Henna Zinzuwadia, founder and director of Wine for AYỌ Collective – London
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year
- Cue Point – London
