Harrogate's hospitality heroes were rewarded for their excellence and commitment last night during a gala dinner at the Royal Hall.
Winners revealed for Harrogate Hospitality Awards following sell-out event Harrogate’s hospitality heroes were rewarded for their excellence and commitment last night (Monday) during a gala dinner at Harrogate’s Royal Hall. The 15th Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards took place, organised by the Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Association (HHTA). Hosts Simon Cotton and David Ritson were joined by the General Managers from the member Harrogate hotels from HHTA to present the coveted award categories. The Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards aim to promote the town’s hospitality offering, celebrating individuals who show the “highest levels of commitment” and strive towards excellence on the town’s behalf. During February and March members of the public and visitors to Harrogate were invited to nominate individuals who they thought deserved special recognition. And after over 1000 nominations and a shortlist judged by the category sponsors, the winners were: Waiter/Waitress of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate Spring Water Tania Nelson – Konak Meze Bar Person of the Year – sponsored by Matthew Clark Kieron Long – Pickled Sprout Chef of the Year – sponsored by Sykes House Farm Tom Dungey – Rudding Park Team of the Year – sponsored by Platinum Rudding Park Spa Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate College Best Bar Unsung Hero – sponsored by Bidfood Ray Carter – Sportsmans Arms/Drum and Monkey Outstanding Customer Service – sponsored by Slingsby Karen Knowles – West Park hotel Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by the World of James Herriot La Feria Bar of the Year – sponsored by Timothy Taylor’s Starling Bar Café Kitchen Receptionist of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate Christmas & Gift Rebecca Hewison – Grantley Hall Housekeeper of the Year – sponsored by Beaucare Lisa Ambler – Old Swan hotel Harrogate Ambassador of the Year - sponsored by Your Harrogate Stephanie Moon David Ritson, General Manager of the Old Swan Hotel and co-organiser of the event, said:
“The awards are a fantastic occasion for the town and beyond. They reward not only the winners, but all those who are shortlisted and work in every area of hospitality, recognising the effort and commitment they make on a daily basis. “We received so many entries this year and after what our industry has been through recently it was great to see such a large number of the community getting involved. We have been able to reward some very worthy winners. “The nominations we receive outline the amazing feats that this industry can generate. We are extremely lucky to live and work in a town where the community comes together to make it such a great place.”The Black Tie event carries a light theme each year and guests are always kept in suspense about what it will be for the night. This year’s theme was a ‘Night At The Movies’ and Simon & David arrived via a video of the two of them having to get ‘Back To The Future’, complete with their very own DeLorean Time Machine. Simon Cotton, Managing Director at the HRH Group and co-organiser of the awards, said:
“We would like to thank everyone who supported us in the awards; we had a record response to nominations and a record number of people wanting to attend the dinner and awards at the Royal Hall. “The hospitality sector is so important to this town’s economy and it is wonderful to see the crème de la crème of their category being acclaimed for their efforts; both those shortlisted and those who won deserve their ‘moment’ in the spotlight and it was great to see everyone celebrating tonight!”Harrogate Theatre Choir performed a medley of big movie hits and there was a Star Wars battle scene with over 20 storm troopers and other characters from the film. The dinner was wrapped up with a scene from Willy Wonka with Oompah Loompah’s, chocolate bars for everyone present and of course - a Golden Ticket winner. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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