UK’s top apprentices recognised at 2021 Purple Umbrella Awards

More than 45 apprentices were recognised for their commitment to the hospitality industry at the prestigious Purple Umbrella Awards held at the Savoy hotel in London on Friday night (3 September).

Hosted by Umbrella Training, awards were presented to talented chefs, staff, supervisors and managers for their commitment to lifelong learning and their achievements over the past 12-18 months.

The Pig hotels were the big winners of the night, taking home three awards. Winners from Home Grown Hotels included Rosie Downing, a commis chef level two apprentice at the Pig at Combe in Devon; Aleksandra Ostafinska, a junior sous chef from the Pig at Harlyn Bay in Cornwall; and Chloe Blanks, waitress at the Pig at Bridge Place in Kent.

Mark Lewis, chief executive at Hospitality Action (pictured above), received the Special Award for his contribution to supporting the industry throughout the pandemic period and beyond.

Other award winners included Selven Armoogum, who won the Alumni Award for his role as operations manager apprentice at the Dorset Square hotel in London, and Bogdan Rotaru, assistant front of house manager at PPHE Hotel Group, which won the Best Level 4 prize.

The winners included:

• Selven Armoogum, Dorset Square hotel, London (Alumni Award)
• Chloe Blanks, the Pig at Bridge Place, Canterbury, Kent (Best Level 2 Award)
• Rosie Downing, the Pig at Combe, Honiton, Devon (Best Chef Level 2 Award)
• Nick Laws, Fowey Hall hotel, Cornwall (Best Level 3 Award)
• Aleksandra Ostafinska, the Pig at Harlyn Bay, Padstow, Cornwall (Best Chef Level 3 Award)
• Bogdan Rotaru, PPHE Hotel Group (Best Level 4 Award)
• Scott Robson, Dorchester Collection Academy (Best Level 5 Award)
• Victoria Tweddell, PPHE Hotel Group (Non Umbrella)
• Mark Lewis, Hospitality Action (Special Award)
• Mackenzie Forster, the Goring, London (Purple Umbrella Award, Promoting Hospitality Careers)
• Michael Peluso, the Savoy, London (Purple Umbrella Award, Hospitality Passion)
• Nick Laws, Fowey Hall hotel, Cornwall (Purple Umbrella Award, Hospitality Resilience)
• Emma Mackey, Red Carnation Hotels (Purple Umbrella Award Leader in D&I in Hospitality)
• Jodie Butcher, Shepherd Neame (Purple Umbrella Award, Continuous Learning in Hospitality)
• Brandon Parker, the Fish hotel, Broadway, Worcestershire (Purple Umbrella Award, Hospitality Dedication)

The event was hosted by TV and radio presenter Dave Berry, and featured Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, as the keynote speaker. The awards were judged by an independent panel of experts from across the sector.

Umbrella Training founder and chief executive Adele Oxberry said: “This year has been challenging for people on so many levels. There are many apprentices, up and down the country, who have faced an incredibly unsettling and difficult period.

“We are unbelievably proud of each and every one of them for not only showing the drive, determination, and courage, to continue learning throughout this period, but, the fact that they have by been an inspiration to the rest of the sector for showcasing some incredible innovation and collaboration in their establishments. We would like to congratulate them all and wish them every success in the future careers.”

Photo: Paul Griffiths Photography