The fifth annual awards that celebrate black and ethnic minority talent shaping the future of UK hospitality took place at Quaglino’s, London, on Monday (12 October).
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Meanwhile, House of MOBO – which is located in Norwood, south London – scooped the best Bar/Pub of the Year award.
The awards recognise talent at every stage of their journey, from emerging individuals and independent operators to established experts, brands and businesses; with the 2026 finalists representing seven regions of the UK and more than 10 cuisines.
Bright future
Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality Lorraine Copes said: “Every year, these awards bring new stories, journeys and ambitions from 60 finalists. What has remained constant over the past five years is the exhilaration, celebration and connections forged between our community and partners, a reminder of hospitality’s bright future.
“Recognition and visibility for deserving people and businesses matter more than ever. Hospitality is a tough industry to navigate, and my hope is that these awards continue to give our finalists the encouragement and momentum to keep moving forward.”
Along with Welsh-Jordanian Kalaji, who was recognised for her unique style of Middle Eastern cuisine at the Queen of Cups in Glastonbury to add to her recent win as Chef of the Year in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs, Nathaniel Mortley (NattyCanCook) won both the People’s Choice Person of the Year Award and the Best Caribbean Food category , having rebuilt his life through food after a prison sentence.
Diverse and talented
And Marverine Cole, who was one of the UK’s first accredited female beer sommeliers and is also a Birmingham-based beer writer, journalist and broadcaster, won the Beverage Professional of the Year.
Laure Bornet, SVP International Growth at OpenTable, which sponsored the awards, said: “Five years in, these awards keep proving a crucial point: hospitality’s future is as diverse as it is talented.
“This year’s finalists reflect the creativity, ambition and breadth that make the industry so exciting. We’re proud to continue to partner with Be Inclusive Hospitality in celebrating their achievements.”
BIH Spotlight Awards 2026 winners
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
Chef of the Year - Sponsored by Caterer.com
Ayesha Kalaji - Queen of Cups
Rising Star - Sponsored by Matthew Clark Bibendum
Dijön Bascombe, Chef & Founder - Dijön Cafe, London
Writer of the Year - Sponsored by Mentzendorff
Safiya Robinson - Sisterwoman
Wine Professional of the Year - Sponsored by Decanter
Emmanuel Mireku - Manny Does Wine
Beverage Professional of the Year - Sponsored by Moët Hennessy U.K
Marverine Cole - Accredited Beer Sommelier
Head Office Impact - Sponsored by Unox
Priya Narain, Head of Purpose & Programmes - KERB+
CUISINE CATEGORIES
African Food - Sponsored by The Voice
Chishuru
Caribbean Food - Sponsored by The Voice
2210 by NattyCanCook
East and Southeast Asian Food
Liu Xiaomian
South Asian Food
Third Culture Kat
Middle Eastern Food
Mouna’s Kitchen
PEOPLE’S CHOICE CATEGORIES
People’s Choice Person of the Year - Sponsored by Deliveroo
Nathaniel Mortley - 2210 by NattyCanCook
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year - Sponsored by OpenTable
Chuku’s
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
Bar/Pub of the Year - Sponsored by OpenTable
House of MOBO
Brand of the Year - Sponsored by Electrolux Professional
Flake Bake
This BIH Spotlight Icon Award was awarded to the late chef Dominic Taylor, who passed away earlier this year. To honour his talent and contribution to hospitality and Caribbean fine dining, entrepreneur, celebrity chef and musician Levi Roots presented the award to Taylor’s family on the night.
