Bristol Hoteliers Association honours local heroes at Night of the Stars

The Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) has recognised outstanding teams and individuals working in hospitality in the region at its seventh annual ‘Night of the Stars’ event.

Held at Ashton Gate Stadium, the awards were celebrated by over 450 attendees from the city’s hospitality sector.

The team of the year accolade was taken by the sports team operations at Clayton hotel, while Ian Acosta from Bristol Marriott Royal was named chef of the year and Ventsislav Yonov from Leonardo Hotel Bristol City was given the employee of the year award. 

The event was hosted by BHA chair and De Vere Tortworth Court general manager Raphael Herzog, who said that it was the biggest awards ever organised by the association.

He added: “The past few years have been extremely challenging for the hospitality sector with little sign of significant improvement, given new challenges like the increases in employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage.

“One thing is certain; we are hospitality, and we are strong, resilient and ready to tackle whatever comes our way.”

BHA Night of the Stars 2025 winners

• Employee of the Year (Front of House): Kareem Abujerise, Moxy Bristol
• Green Initiative: Radu Rosu, Novotel Bristol City Centre
• Chef of the Year: Ian Acosta, Bristol Marriott Royal
• Community Spirit Award: Aztec Hotel & Spa Team (Special Recognition: Robin Van Leperen, Delta Bristol City Centre)
• Employee of the Year (Heart of House): Ventsislav Yonov, Leonardo Hotel Bristol City
• Unsung Hero: Lisa Hughes, Clevedon Hall
• Hotel Bright Idea & Best Innovation: The Wedding Team at De Vere Tortworth Court
• Rising Star: Jessica Williams, Clevedon Hall
• Team of the Year: Sports Team Operations, Clayton Hotel