Harrogate's hospitality industry gathered at the Royal Hall on Monday for the latest instalment of the Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards 2026.
The annual awards, organised by the Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Association (HHTA), returned for an eighteenth year and recognised individuals and businesses across the town for their contribution to the hospitality and tourism sector.
More than 1,000 nominations were submitted by members of the public and visitors during February and March, before shortlisted entrants were judged by category sponsors.
The black-tie event, hosted by Simon Cotton, featured a 'Night Down the Pub' theme, with entertainment including a pub quiz, a Bullseye-style darts match and karaoke.
Peter Banks of Rudding Park joined Simon on stage throughout the evening, while Rick Lawson and his band Hot Sauce provided live music.
Speaking after the awards, Simon Cotton said:
"The awards don’t just celebrate the winners — they shine a light on everyone shortlisted and all those driving hospitality forward every single day.
"This year’s huge wave of entries really put our judges through their paces, and I want to thank everyone who got involved. We’ve been able to recognise some truly deserving talent.
"Hospitality is a powerhouse for this town’s economy, and it’s fantastic to see the very best in the business getting the applause they’ve earned.
"Every finalist and every winner deserved their moment in the spotlight, and tonight delivered exactly that".
This year’s winners were as follows:
- Waiter/Waitress of the Year (sponsored by Harrogate Spring Water) – Becky Colley, Drum and Monkey
- Bar Person of the Year (sponsored by Matthew Clark) – Josh Henderson, Six Poor Folk
- Chef of the Year (sponsored by Sykes House Farm) – Terry Davies, West Park Hotel
- Team of the Year (sponsored by Platinum) – Bluebell at Arkendale
- Newcomer of the Year (sponsored by Harrogate College) – Ake & Humphris Wine Bar
- Unsung Hero (sponsored by Bidfood) – Imogen Ward, Esme's Coffee House
- Outstanding Customer Service (sponsored by LWC Drinks) – Rosie Nicholls, Fodder
- Restaurant of the Year (sponsored by Guinness) – Restaurant Fifty Two
- Bar of the Year (sponsored by Timothy Taylor's) – The Mucky Duck
- Receptionist of the Year (sponsored by Harrogate Christmas & Gift) – Purvi Mahida, West Park Hotel
- Housekeeper of the Year (sponsored by Beaucare) – Tanya Abdul Khalib, Swinton Estate
- Harrogate Ambassador (sponsored by Your Harrogate Radio) – Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals
One of the evening's most prestigious accolades, the Harrogate Ambassador Award, was presented to Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals.
Sharon, who has led the organisation for the past two decades, was recognised for her contribution to promoting Harrogate and attracting visitors through a programme of events and festivals.
The award comes during the 60th anniversary year of Harrogate International Festivals and marks the second time she has received the honour.
The HHTA represents 11 member hotels across the town, welcoming more than 300,000 guests each year and employing more than 1,250 people.
The association works to promote Harrogate as a visitor destination and supports high standards across the local hospitality and tourism industry.
Photos from the event can be found here via Tim Hardy Photography.
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