A Night of Recognition: Celebrating the 2024 BIH Spotlight Award Winners
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 3rd BIH Spotlight Awards, which took place during an inspiring ceremony at M Threadneedle Street, London, on Monday 21st October. The evening was dedicated to celebrating the exceptional talent of Black, Asian, and ethnic minorities working within hospitality, food, and drink across the UK.
Award Categories
The awards highlighted a wide range of categories, with winners including Mandy Yin of Sambal Shiok for Chef of the Year, Chef Dom Taylor for Brand of the Year, and Eko Brewery and Tap Room for Bar or Pub of the Year.
Additional awards presented on the night included Drinks Professional of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Writer of the Year, Rising Star, Head Office Impact, and various food categories covering African, Caribbean, East & Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisine. The People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year and People’s Choice Person of the Year were determined by public votes, with over 800 cast.
Esteemed Judges
This year’s judging panel featured an esteemed group of hospitality leaders, including Nitisha Patel, Development Chef and founder of Nitisha Patel Food Consultancy; Mike Reid, Culinary Director of Rare Restaurants; Monica Berg, Co-Founder of Tayēr + Elementary; Peter Martin, Founder and Executive Director of Peach 20/20; Akwasi Brenya-Mensah, Chef and writer; and Joanne Sullivan, People Director at Rare Restaurants.
Founders Reflection
Our founder, Lorraine Copes, reflected on the night: “Once again, I have been absolutely blown away by the energy, vibrancy, and collective celebration at these awards. Our national community, with attendees from across Scotland, Wales, Birmingham, and beyond, came together to celebrate the brilliant businesses and individuals bringing passion and innovation to the hospitality industry. The number of entries and attendees reinforces the importance of these awards, and we remain committed to shining a bright spotlight on those who truly deserve it.”
Meet the 2024 BIH Spotlight Award Winners
Here are the winners of all 15 categories:
Writer of the Year – Sponsored by Decanter
Romy Gill
Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Caterer.com
Mandy Yin – Sambal Shiok
Drinks Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Rémy Cointreau
Paul Rutasikwa – Matugga Rum
Pastry Chef of the Year
Darryl Collins
Rising Star – Sponsored by Moët Hennessey
Davina Dhami – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
Head Office Impact
Nikita Mathew – Burger & Lobster
Brand of the Year
Chef Dom Taylor
Bar or Pub of the Year – Sponsored by V Rum/ WSET School London
Eko Brewery and Tap Room
African Food
The Quirky Oven
Caribbean Food
Jamaya
East & Southeast Asian Food
Little Yellow Rice Co.
Middle Eastern Food
Bunhead Bakery
South Asian Food
Maasi’s
People’s Choice Person of the Year – Sponsored by Deliveroo
Olawale Makinde – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by OpenTable
Akara
Congratulations to all the 2024 BIH Spotlight Awards winners! You can read about the other finalists from each award category here.