THOSE at the coalface in delivering the best of York service and hospitality were recognised at the first awards of its kind in York last night (THUR).
Hospitality Association York staged its inaugural awards ceremony at the Radisson Hotel York, which is set to become an annual event.
The event attracted almost 200 people from the association, whose members make up almost 30 of York’s hotels and B&Bs.
The HAY Hospitality Awards aims to recognise the individuals at the heart of the industry in York.
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Bronze, silver and gold accolades were awarded in each of the 12 categories celebrating everyone from kitchen teams to sales and events, front of house to back of house.
HAY Chairman Adam Wardale said “It’s fair to say that these awards have been a long time coming – we’ve had the desire to organise this for a number of years and we’re delighted that we’ve finally been able to create an evening to celebrate our amazing.”
Adam had sought to deliver such an awards since becoming HAY chairman in 2022, something that became possible with the help of others.
He continued: “Every finalist represents the dedication and hard work that makes our industry thrive, going above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for guests—and without them, York would not be the thriving city that it is.”
Adam, who is also general manager of Middleton’s Hotel, thanked sponsors for their support, making the event possible, including YorkMix Radio, Your Creative Sauce, Make It York and Mint People.”
He added: “The inaugural awards went better than we could have imagined and we very much want to make this an important part of the York awards calendar moving forward.”
The event began at 6.30pm, with a drinks reception sponsored by Dutch Barn Vodka and arrival music from Ignite Concerts and an opening performance from Soprano Singer Rebecca Newman.
Other entertainment included town Cryer Ben Fry as master of ceremony, songs from Alistair Graham And Ignite Concerts, ending with a disco until midnight from Jonny Ross Music.
But it was the enthusiasm of the audience that set the event apart as crowds supported their own teams and also welcoming the success of others.
One of the most commendable awards of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award, saw its finalists all welcomed on stage, where they received a standing ovation for their exceptional service and dedication to the industry.
With 80 year’s experience between them, the judges of the awards noted that this was a particularly difficult category to judge.
The awards went to: Suzanne Cowling, Duty Manager at Galtres Lodge Hotel winning gold, Ted Fenney, Maintenance Manager at Hilton York winning Silver, and Paul Harrison, Pastry Chef at Middlethorpe Hall & Spa won the bronze award.
The entire room was also moved when winner of the Rising Star Award, Mariana Kachun, Chef de Rang at Middlethorpe Hall & Spa was presented with a scholarship from York St John University after one of the judges, Brendan Paddison, Associate Professor at York St John University spoke of Mariana’s story.
A refugee from the Ukrainian war, Mariana was hoping to return to Ukraine and pick up her studies, but her university has been destroyed in the war.
HAY Hospitality Award Winners 2024:
Back of House Hero (sponsored by York BID)
Gold - Nigel White (Middlethorpe Hall Hotel & Spa)
Silver - Kate Cameron (The Grand)
Bronze - Valentina Semeraro (Radisson York)
Star Behind the Bar (sponsored by Ellers Farm Distillery - Dutch Barn)
Gold - Christine Moore (Hilton)
Silver - Matthew Briggs (Radisson York)
Bronze - Josh Robson (Doubletree by Hilton)
People’s Choice – York Mix Public Vote
Gold - Jonathan Robertson (Middletons Hotel)
Silver - Sam Kitching (Radisson York)
Bronze - Tom Dobson-Walker (The Principal)
Rising Star (sponsored by Your Creative Sauce)
Gold - Mariana Kachun (Middlethorpe Hall Hotel & Spa)
Silver - Sophie England (The Principal)
Bronze - Caitlin Taylor (The Elmbank)
Hospitality Apprentice (sponsored by York College)
Gold - Anthony Michaelides (Delta Hotel York)
Silver - Aida Makniene (Radisson York)
Bronze - Alvarro Torress (Delta Hotel York)
Sparkle award (sponsored by Ignite Concerts)
Gold - Ek Raj (The Grand)
Silver - Tamasne Dajnics ‘Magdi’ (Hilton)
Bronze - Nicola Hannington (The Elmbank)
Serving Superstar (sponsored by York Gin)
Gold - Gergo Laszlo (Dean Court)
Silver - Alex Razey (Radisson York)
Bronze - Anna Czarnik (Middletons Hotel)
Hospitality Team (sponsored by Johnny Ross Music)
Gold - Group, Conference & Events Team (Hilton)
Silver - Kitchen (Radisson York)
Bronze - Forest Team (Galtres Lodge Hotel)
Warm Welcome (sponsored by City Cruises)
Silver - Frank Caulfield (Dean Court)
Gold - Wayne Brady (The Grand)
Bronze - Oleksandra Bilotserkivets (Hilton)
Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Elite Event Solutions)
Gold - Suzanne Cowling (Galtres Lodge Hotel)
Silver - Ted Fenney (Hilton)
Bronze - Paul Harrison (Middlethorpe Hall Hotel & Spa)
Most Promising Chef (sponsored by Mint hospitality and events people)
Gold - Emily Benton (Dean Court)
Silver - Hubert Amankwah (Malmaison)
Bronze - Alex French (Middlethorpe Hall Hotel & Spa)
Unsung Hero (sponsored by Little Vikings)
Gold - Jamie Wilson (Radisson York)
Silver - Sarah Smith (The Principal)
Bronze - Shirley Fletcher (Hilton)
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