BIH Spotlight Awards Finalists Announced

We are pleased to announce the finalists for the 3rd BIH Spotlight Awards, which celebrates the outstanding contributions of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority professionals in the UK hospitality, food, and drink sectors.

This year’s awards will recognise winners across 15 categories. Two recipients have already been determined by public vote, gathering over 800 votes in total. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 21st October, at M Threadneedle Street in London.

The judging panel for this year features a distinguished 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.

Reflecting on the nominations, our founder, Lorraine Copes, shared her appreciation: “It’s a genuine privilege each year to receive hundreds of nominations for exceptional, ethnically diverse talent across the UK hospitality industry, many of whom I haven’t previously encountered. These awards were created to spotlight such talent, and I’m eagerly looking forward to celebrating both the finalists and winners on 21st 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 – Sponsored by Moët Hennessy

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

Winners will be unveiled at the glitzy awards on Monday 21st October. To join us for this celebration, access your ticket here.