Championing Inclusion in Hospitality: Nominations Now Open for the 2025 BIH Spotlight Awards
Be Inclusive Hospitality is proud to launch the 2025 BIH Spotlight Awards — an annual celebration that honours the remarkable achievements of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority professionals and businesses across the UK’s hospitality, food, and drink industries. Now entering its fourth year, the awards continue to spotlight exceptional talent while offering a national platform for visibility, recognition, and inspiration.
This year represents a significant milestone as OpenTable joins as headline sponsor for the first time. Their support not only amplifies our mission to champion diverse voices but also strengthens our shared commitment to equity within the industry. Additionally, we’re excited to welcome back long-standing sponsors, including Decanter, Caterer.com, and Moët Hennessy UK, who continue to stand alongside us in this important work.
The 2025 awards ceremony will take place on Monday 13 October at the iconic Quaglino’s in London. The event will bring together hospitality professionals, changemakers, and employers for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, inclusion, and innovation across the sector.
15 Award Categories Celebrating Excellence and Impact
The awards span 15 categories, designed to recognise individuals, businesses, and cuisines that embody the spirit of excellence and representation in hospitality. Additionally, two People’s Choice Awards will be determined through public voting, following a shortlist curated by the judging panel.
The categories include:
Individual Awards:
Chef of the Year, Rising Star, Writer of the Year, Wine Professional of the Year, Beverage Innovator of the Year, Head Office Impact
Cuisine Awards:
African Food, Caribbean Food, East and Southeast Asian Food, South Asian Food, Middle Eastern Food
Business Awards:
Bar/Pub of the Year, Brand of the Year
People’s Choice Awards:
Person of the Year, Restaurant of the Year
Each category reflects the diverse and dynamic contributions made by underrepresented talent across the UK’s food and drink landscape.
Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, Lorraine Copes, shares:
“It is an honour to bring the BIH Spotlight Awards back for a fourth year. Recognition matters, and these awards exist to shine a light on the incredible talent and achievements within our industry’s ethnically diverse communities. Visibility is powerful, and by celebrating these role models, we not only acknowledge their excellence but also inspire the next generation to see what’s possible.”
Sasha Shaker, Senior Director at OpenTable UK & Ireland, adds:
“Being the headline sponsor of this year’s BIH Spotlight Awards is a very proud moment for OpenTable. This event shines a well-deserved light on the extraordinary talent and impact of hospitality professionals across the UK.
How to Nominate
Nominations are now open and close at 11:59pm on Friday 18 July 2025. Finalists will be announced the week commencing Monday 18 August, with winners revealed at the live ceremony in October.
Who can nominate?
Employers, employees, business owners, and individuals are all encouraged to submit nominations. Self-nominations are also warmly welcomed.
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of expert judges, including Shelina Permalloo, Chef & Author, Jaega Wise, TV & Radio Presenter and Landlady, Peter Martin, Founder and Director of Peach2020, Terri Mercieca, Owner of Happy Endings LDN and many more.
Join Us in Celebrating Inclusive Hospitality
Whether you’re a chef, sommelier, entrepreneur, or rising star, these awards are for you. By nominating someone—or yourself—you help uplift role models and foster a more inclusive future for hospitality.
Be a part of this important moment. Help us spotlight those making a difference.
Submit your nomination before Friday 18 July 2025.