Be Inclusive Hospitality reveals finalists for BIH Spotlight Awards 2024

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) has unveiled the finalists for its third iteration of the BIH Spotlight Awards, which recognise the exceptional talent of Black, Asian and ethnic minorities working in UK hospitality.  

The awards, which are spread across 15 categories, will take place on 21 October at M Threadneedle Street in London.

They were judged by likes of Nitisha Patel, development chef and founder of Nitisha Patel Food Consultancy; Mike Reid, culinary director of Rare Restaurants; and Monica Berg, co-founder of Tayēr + Elementary.

Two of the winners were decided by the public, which saw over 800 votes being cast.

Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, said: “It genuinely feels like a privilege each year to receive hundreds of nominations about brilliant, ethnically diverse talent in hospitality across the UK – some of whom I have never encountered before.

"These awards were intentionally designed to highlight such talent, and I can’t wait to celebrate the finalists and winners at the awards ceremony on 21st October.”

The finalists for the BIH Spotlight Awards 2024 are listed below:

Chef of the Year

Ayesha Kalaji - Queen of Cups 

Mandy Yin - Sambal Shiok 

Safiya Robinson - Sisterwoman Vegan 

Maria Bradford - Shwen Shwen 

Drinks Professional of the Year 

Paul Rutasikwa - Matugga Rum 

Haps Dhand - Hey Bartender and Beverage Boutique 

Mags Janjo - MJ Wine Cellars 

Eron Mibo - Tales and Tails UK 

Pastry Chef of the Year 

Benjamina Ebuehi - Benjamina Ebuehi 

Darryl Collins - Hotel Endsleigh 

Michael Kwan - The Dorchester 

Sara Assad-Mannings - Bunhead Bakery 

Writer of the Year

Riaz Phillips

Maria Bradford - Shwen Shwen 

Romy Gill

Jonathan Nunn - Vittles 

Rising Star 

Olawale Makinde - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 

Davina Dhami - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 

Rizwan Khan - Junsei 

Phylisha Wisdom - The Glitch 

Head Office Impact 

Nikita Mathew - Burger & Lobster 

Shelly Sharma - Go Ask Eve 

Jackie Hidalgo - JKS Restaurants 

Leon Seraphin - Beyond Food Foundation 

Brand of the Year 

Reign Rum 

Chef Dom Taylor 

The Flygerians 

Kromanti Rum 

Bar or Pub of the Year

Eko Brewery and Tap Room 

Trailer Happiness 

The White Horse, Buckover 

Jumbi 

African Food 

RJ’s Cuisine 

Suyaman 

The Quirky Oven 

Jollof Mama 

Caribbean Food 

Jamaya 

Ayannas London 

Sweet Dee’s Jerk 

Patois Food 

East & Southeast Asian Food 

BAO 

Little Yellow Rice Co.

Maginhawa Group 

Sambal Shiok 

Middle Eastern Food 

Bunhead Bakery 

Berenjak 

Akub 

Maroush 

South Asian Food 

Maasi’s 

Lorna’s Indian Kitchen 

Arti-Cooks 

Romy Gill 

People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year

Chishuru 

Opheem 

Gouqi 

Akara 

People’s Choice Person of the Year

Hadas Hagos - Waste Not Want Not Battersea 

Colinda Colaco - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 

Vicky Ilankovan - Equal Measures 

Olawale Makinde - Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham

Be Inclusive Hospitality was founded by in 2020 with the aim of creating an inclusive and fair hospitality sector.