Be Inclusive Hospitality launches Spotlight Awards

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH), founded by Lorraine Copes (pictured) to advance racial equity in the hospitality, food and drink sector, has launched its inaugural BIH Spotlight Awards.

The awards will take place on 24 October and will celebrate businesses and individuals from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds working within the hospitality industry.

Nominations opened today for 11 categories including:

• Chef of the Year
• African Food
• Caribbean Food
• East and South East 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

The public are invited to put forward nominations across all categories, and self nominations are also welcomed. In addition, there will be two Peoples’ Choice awards, which will be decided on calculating the most-nominated person and restaurant.

Entries will be open via the BIH Spotlight Awards website from 1 August to 9 September. The shortlist will be published on 24 September and winners announced at a live ceremony on 24 October at Percy’s London.

The shortlist and winners will be decided by a judging panel that will include TV presenter and celebrity chef Andi Oliver; D&D London chief executive and chairman Des Gunewardena; food and diversity consultant Mallika Basu; MasterChef winner and restaurateur Shelina Permalloo; M Restaurants executive chef Mike Reid; global rum brand ambassador Ian Burrell; and wine and sake educator Shane Jones.

Oliver said: “I am thrilled to be working with the brilliant Lorraine Copes and Be Inclusive Hospitality on these hugely significant awards. We all love our industry but there is no denying it needs a shake up! The way that we view excellence can and should be expanded. There are amazing chefs from a plethora of backgrounds, working all over the country, who are creating stunning food that reflects the multiplicity of culture in the UK. This is a way to uplift and celebrate their work! And right on time it is too!’

Copes added: “Our aim for the BIH Spotlight Awards is to present opportunities for the nominees and winners alike enabling them to advance and widen their business networks and audiences. We look forward to celebrating the success of some of the brightest stars of the present and the future.”