FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: 2025 BE INCLUSIVE HOSPITALITY SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) has announced the finalists for its fourth annual BIH Spotlight Awards, which recognise the exceptional talent of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority individuals and businesses within hospitality, food, and drink across the UK. With OpenTable as the headline sponsor, the prestigious ceremony will be held on Monday 13th October at Quaglino’s in London, where winners across 15 categories will be celebrated.

This year’s awards drew in high engagement, with over 300 nominations submitted from across the UK, demonstrating the growing awareness of diverse talent within the industry. Following a week of deliberation, an esteemed panel of hospitality leaders selected finalists who represent leadership, creativity, and innovation.

The expert judging panel includes renowned BBQ chef and writer Melissa Thompson, Chief Executive of Umbrella Training Adele C.Oxberry, and writer, poet, and academic Anna Sulan Massing, alongside 21 other distinguished hospitality leaders.

Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, Lorraine Copes, said: “ I may well say this every year, but since I am not part of the judging process, it truly is the case. I reviewed the finalists with genuine intrigue and excitement. The finalist list spans the UK, with representation from Northern Ireland, Wales, and across England from Sunderland to Sussex. The quality of entries for individuals and businesses is at an all-time high. I am delighted that these awards are recognised so widely, as this has always been my intention. ”

Sasha Shaker, UK and Ireland’s Senior Director at OpenTable: “This year’s finalists are a true reflection of the exceptional breadth of talent across the UK. With more than 300 nominations submitted, each one is testament to the dedication, energy and excellence powering the industry forward. At its best, hospitality welcomes all, and these awards remind us why inclusion fuels the foundation of our industry.”

The ceremony promises to be a landmark celebration of diversity, inclusion, and community within UK hospitality, hosting 300 guests from across the UK. The evening will include an awards presentation, canapés, drinks, and fundraising activities, as the awards continue to gain momentum as the established celebration of diversity in hospitality. Tickets for the BIH Spotlight Awards can be purchased here.

 

The 2025 Finalists

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Caterer.com

Chef Ben Allen – The Parakeet Pub

Emmanuel Offei – HMP Wormwood Scrubs

Ayesha Kalaji – Queen of Cups

Nina Matsunaga – The Black Bull Inn, Sedbergh

 

Rising Star – Sponsored by Ting

Jenny Barry – Jenny’s Jerk Chicken

Nazli Ramadan – Jurkish

Eron Mibo – Tales and Tails UK

Angelo Gonzalez – Shakara

 

Writer of the Year

Tasha Marikkar – Author

Angela Hui – Freelance Writer, Editor & Consultant

Sunny Hodge – Founder & Wine Writer

Angela Zaher – Food Writer

 

Wine Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Decanter

Shane Jones – Wine and Sake Educator

Shivani Tomar – Decanter

Heidi Nam Knudsen – A Thousand Decisions

Leona De Pasquale – Camellia and Vine

 

Beverage Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by Moët Hennessy

Chris Crocker – GOOD KOFFEE

Tina Chen – HumaniTea

Sherwin Acebuche – Tarsier Southeast Asian Spirit

Femi Aseru – Mothers & Suns Kombucha

 

Head Office Impact – Sponsored by Umbrella Training Ltd

Jayeeta Palit – Climpson & Sons

Jane Wilson – PPHE Hotel Group

Gina Knight – Flat Iron Steak

Kan Koo MBE FIH MIoD – COSMO Group

 

CUISINE CATEGORIES

African Food – Sponsored by The Voice

Ngwafu Tansie – Gwafuvegan

Hammed Obikoya – Mama Bobo

Michelle Igwilo – Ogoisfooding

Khadim Mane – Little Baobab

 

Caribbean Food – Sponsored by The Voice

Jordan Johnson – Jam Delish

Nikki Whyte – Patois

Ryan McVay – The Calabash Tree

Tyron Salih – Twerk ‘N’ Jerk

 

East and Southeast Asian Food – Sponsored by Tarsier Spirit

Guirong Wei – Master Wei

Kaneda Pen – Mamapen

Haydon Wong – Cantoast

Wenjun Xiang – Xi Home Dumplings Bay

 

South Asian Food

Kanthi Thamma – The Spice Circuit

Sohini Banerjee – Smoke and Lime

Raj Radia – Raj Foods

Ranji Thangiah, Rosh Olivelle, Thana Sivasambu, Krish Puwanarajah – Sri Lankan Culture Collective

 

Middle Eastern Food

Sara Kiani – Kiani Tea

Shadia Al Hili – Cuzena

Jad Youssef – Lebnani Restaurant

Mona Roudsari – Rzari foods

 

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

Bar/Pub of the Year – Sponsored by OpenTable

Sly Augustin – Trailer Happiness

Ryan Chetiyawardana – Seed Library

Deano Moncrieffe – Hacha Bar

Gento Torigata – Waltz Bar

 

Brand of the Year – Sponsored by Eko Brewery

Creative Nature

The Flygerians

Zimasa Vodka

Hot ‘N’ Juicy Shrimp LDN

 

PEOPLE’S CHOICE CATEGORIES Voting for the People’s Choice awards is now open via https://bihospitality.co.uk/vote-2025/, allowing the public to champion their favourite restaurant and hospitality professional from the finalist shortlists.

 

People’s Choice Person of the Year – Sponsored by Bibendum

Mauritz Borg – The Kernel Brewery

Sadish Lalli – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham