Shortlist announced for Hospitality Awards Night
Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Award organisers have announced the shortlist of four candidates for each of the nine categories in their awards scheme which will be presented at a spectacular gala dinner taking place at the Royal Hall on 31st May.
Category sponsors and organisers deliberated long and hard last week with some very tough decisions having to be made because of the amount of nominations received this year.
The awards, now in their third year, are organised and hosted by Destination Harrogate, the association of the leading hotels of the town. David Ritson, Chairman of Destination Harrogate, commented, "It is clear from the number of entries we received again this year, that these awards have truly captured the imagination of those working in, or affected by hospitality and tourism, and clearly shows what a major industry it is for the town. Harrogate relies heavily on both business and leisure tourism and everyone involved in the chain of visitor service delivery play their part in continuing to deliver the excellent standards associated with Harrogate."
Simon Cotton, General Manager of the Cedar Court Hotel and one of the main organisers of the awards added, "The judges were once again impressed by the level and quality of entries and we have no doubt that the night will once again be a quick sell out and continue upon the huge success that it has been in the past two years".
If you would like to come and support those shortlisted, tickets are available through Katie Richmond Tel 01423 858585 costing £45 per person or £450 for a table of 10 however demand for tickets is so high already tickets are expected to sell out within the next 10 days now that the shortlists have been announced so please book early to avoid disappointment.
The judging panel’s shortlists for each category are:
Waiter/Waitress of the Year – sponsored by Sunlight Textile Services
Karen Hughes - Catwalk Cafe
Katie Western - Weetons
Nicolay Araujo - Rudding Park Hotel
Sandra Piscopo - Restaurant Bar & Grill
Bar Person of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate Spa Water
Peter Dobrontei - Hotel du Vin
Craig Drummond - Monty’s Bar
Cheryl Norrish - The Royal Oak at Staveley
Gareth Vowles - Banjan Bar
Chef of the Year – sponsored by Sykes House Farm
Ian King - Pavillions of Harrogate
David Stewart-Pybus - Goldsborough Hall
Graham Johnson - The Harwood at Pannal
Tom Van Zeller - Van Zellars Restaurant
Team of the Year – sponsored by Platinum Print
Crusade Exhibition Services
Hales Bar
Holiday Inn Hotel
Events & Sales Team – The Old Swan Hotel
Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate College
Matthew Dalingwater - The Orchid Restaurant
Ray Kitchen - The Yorkshire Hotel
Log Heights
White Rose Winter Music Festival
Unsung Hero – sponsored by Destination Harrogate
Derrick Fox - Royal Baths Building
Viv Graham - Harrogate Borough Council
Lynne Hudson - Harrogate International Centre
Harrogate Tourist Information Centre
Best Achievement of the Year – sponsored by Blueline Taxis
Harrogate in Bloom
Golden Oldies Cricket Tournament
Rudding Park Hotel
Stray FM
Outstanding Customer Service – sponsored by Leeds Bradford Int. Airport
Amanda and the Bar Team – Hales Bar
Chris Weatherald - Old Swan Hotel
Steve Hopkins - Hotel du Vin
Mark Hopkins - Black Swan at Burn Bridge
Harrogate Ambassador - sponsored by Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce
The winner of this special Award is to be announced on the night.
