The organisers of Harrogate's Hospitality & Tourism Awards have announced the launch of the 2026 awards - and the process for nominations is now open.
Now in it’s 18th year, the awards have become one of the biggest celebratory night’s of Harrogate’s social calendar each year.
The evening aims to ‘capture the spirit’ of those working in the hospitality and tourism sector and often sells out weeks in advance.
The awards celebrate outstanding service achievements and individuals who make a real difference to the town’s hospitality offering - and the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Harrogate each year.
This year’s Awards will be given out at a glittering black tie dinner and party on Monday 1st June at the Royal Hall.
Paula Lorimer, Director of HCC said:
“We love hosting this event every year and showcasing this amazing venue and North Yorkshire Council are committed to working closely with the event organisers to once again put on another great awards event.”
Organiser of the awards, Simon Cotton, said:
“These awards are so important to celebrate all those who work so hard in hospitality and tourism in Harrogate and I know and see how much it means to those nominated to be there on the night, getting all dressed up and enjoying bringing the town’s hospitality industry together for a huge annual celebration.
“I still feel very proud after all these years whenever I walk in a business and see them displaying their award trophies.
“We are looking for everyone in the tourism industry to join us again this year and get behind the awards; from the larger companies to independents, teams and individuals, we have an award that covers all that is great about the district, so we urge you to vote now for your favourite!”
Judges are looking for the detail around why an individual, team or business deserves their nomination.
Supported by the Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Association - an association of the leading hotel venues - these awards celebrate and reward outstanding individuals and teams who represent the Harrogate district.
The twelve award categories are:
- Waiter/Waitress of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate Spring Water
- Bar Person of the Year – sponsored by Matthew Clark
- Chef of the Year – sponsored by Sykes House Farm
- Team of the Year – sponsored by Platinum Print
- Harrogate Ambassador – sponsored by Your Harrogate Radio
- Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate College
- Unsung Hero – sponsored by Bidfood
- Housekeeper of the Year – sponsored by Beaucare
- Outstanding Customer Service – sponsored by LWC Drinks
- Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Guinness
- Bar of the Year – sponsored by Timothy Taylor Brewery, and
- Receptionist of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show
Finalists for each award will be invited to the awards gala dinner to be held at the Royal Hall on Monday 1st June 2026. Nominations close on 31st March.
LISTEN: Your Harrogate's Ricky Durkin caught up with event organiser Simon Cotton:
How to nominate
To nominate, fill in the form online at www.harrogatehospitality.co.uk or fill in a paper form which you’ll find across town in restaurants, hotels, bars and other public places.
Completed forms can be dropped off anytime at the Reception Desk at the Yorkshire Hotel in Harrogate.
To attend the awards dinner and support your nominations visit the website for details, or email Lyndsey.gibbs@hotmail.co.uk to book tickets or more information.
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