The third Hospitality Awards, organised by The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association celebrated the high achievers and teams that amplify the best hospitality has to offer in the city region on 11th February.
140 people attended the awards event held at Novotel Southampton and heard who were crowned winners from the three finalists in nine categories.
Nathan Chart, Chair of the Hoteliers Association said “The Awards are a fantastic way to showcase the talent, dedication and achievements in the hospitality industry and as nominees are put forward by their colleagues and employers, it’s a great way to say thank you and to get the recognition they deserve for their achievements. The awards this year were especially welcomed following such a turbulent time for the hospitality industry and sponsors have again said that judging was a very close call. It’s been a brilliant night and we hope that awards like these, promote the fantastic regional hospitality industry and inspire future career choices.”
The Award Winners on the night, chosen from three finalists for each category were:
Operational Excellence of the Year Award (Sponsored by The Marketing Collective)
WINNER: Patina Farnham from Novotel Southampton
Rising Star of the Year Award (Sponsored by SWJ Events)
WINNER: Lucy Whittington from Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa
Chef of the Year Award (Judged by Hampshire Fare)
WINNER: Tim Smith from New Place Hotel
Lockdown Hero Award (Sponsored by The So SO Show)
WINNER: Michael Clitheroe from Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa
Top Team of the Year Award (Sponsored by Comax UK)
WINNER: Mr Covid Emergency Team from Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh
Community Award (Sponsored by GO! Southampton)
WINNER: Novotel Southampton
Sales and Revenue of the Year Award (Sponsored by Hotelcare)
WINNER: Jon Fisher from New PlaceHotel
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by Fire Hospitality)
WINNER: Richard Fletcher from Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh
Best of the Rest Award (Sponsored by Headline Sponsor, Radio Taxis)
WINNER: Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 J7 for Community Award
Headline sponsor Radio Taxis, were among those supporting the awards. Simon May, Chief Executive Officer said… “What a brilliant evening. Radio Taxis are so pleased to have been part of the Hospitality Awards. The regional hospitality industry is huge and tonight the hotels and individuals have been rightly recognised for their dedication and outstanding service they provide to both visitors and locals. Congratulations to all nominated, the finalists and especially the winners.”
The not-for-profit awards raised £2545 for charity FareShare Southern Central and Simon May announced on the night that they would double that amount for the worthy charity, equating £5090!
FareShare save over 1,861 tonnes of good surplus food from right across the food supply chain and redistributes it to 200 charities and community groups who provide meals to people in need – such as food banks, hostels, refuges, pantries, community centres, older people’s lunch clubs and breakfast and after school clubs for children. In 2020/21 we provided enough food for over 4,324,443 meals.
Mandy Holdaway, Operations Manager at FareShare Southern Central said “The Awards ceremony was such a great way to showcase the talent and commitment from the hotels and staff. We were thrilled to again be the chosen charity that the awards support and would like to say a massive thank you to the sponsors, supporters, attendees and organisers of the evening. I couldn’t believe it when Simon May announced that as Headline sponsors, Radio Taxis would double the amount raised, thank you so much, the £5090 will make such a difference to local families.”
A special thanks is to be acknowledged to all sponsors and supporters, without whom the awards would not be possible: Radio Taxis, The Marketing Collective, SWJ Events, So SO Show, Comax UK, GO! Southampton, Hotelcare, Fire Hospitality, Hampshire Fare, Alder Hospitality Management, All Parties and Events, Event Perfection, Ethical Mail & Print, Dave Dodge Photography, Marcus Bailey Magician, 22 Midnight, Trust Water, Hampshire’s Top Attractions, City College Hospitality students and Novotel Southampton.
