Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the second BIH Spotlight Awards. Taking place on 16 October 2023, at M Threadneedle Street, London, the awards will celebrate exceptional achievements by individuals and businesses from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds working within the hospitality, food, and drinks sectors.
Following the resounding success of the inaugural awards ceremony in 2022, which received an overwhelming 450 nominations and saw over 200 esteemed guests come together to applaud the 13 deserving winners, which included Sierra Leonean Chef Maria Bradford, The Dodo Micropub, The Dumpling Shack Group and Ayesha Kalaji of Queen of Cups. The 2023 BIH Spotlight Awards are poised to be even more exceptional.
This year will introduce two new award categories: Brand of the Year and Pasty Chef of the Year, bringing the total to 13 categories.
The Award Categories for the 2023 BIH Spotlight Awards are as follows:
Chef of the Year
Pastry Chef of the Year
African Food
Caribbean Food
East and Southeast 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
Brand of the Year
The industry is invited to actively participate in the awards process by submitting nominations across all categories, and self-nominations are also welcomed. The expert judging panel will evaluate the submissions and determine the shortlist and ultimate winners.
In addition, two People’s Choice awards will be decided upon by calculating the most nominated person and restaurant, respectively:
The Peoples’ Choice Person of the Year
The Peoples’ Choice Restaurant of the Year
Nomination submissions will close on 04 August 2023, and the shortlist will be published on 21 August 2023. The winners will be announced at the live ceremony on Monday, 16th October 2023, at M Threadneedle Street.
Philip Juma , Founder of Juma Kitchen, says: ‘Being a judge for BIH is a privilege and honour. I look forward to celebrating the best in hospitality from minority backgrounds and giving a spotlight to cuisines that are lesser known in the hope that those identities (communities) thrive and grow.’
Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, says, ‘Last year I can only describe as a wonderful exploration and celebration of extraordinary, yet often underserved individuals and businesses up and down the country. The high number of nominations meant that our network and community grew tenfold, and I look forward to building upon this for the 2023 awards.
For further information on the BIH Spotlight Awards or to interview Lorraine Copes, founder of BIH or members of the judging panel, please email: contact@bihospitality.co.uk
Stay updated with us on social media @beinclusivehospitality
Notes to editors
Entries are open via the Be Inclusive Hospitality website and close on 04 August. The shortlist will be published on 21 August 2023, and winners will be announced at a live event ceremony on Monday, 16 October 2023 at M Threadneedle Street.
For further information on the BIH Spotlight Awards or to interview Lorraine Copes, founder of BIH or members of the judging panel, please email: contact@bihospitality.co.uk
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