Be Inclusive Hospitality launches first UK Spotlight Awards

Be Inclusive Hospitality announces its inaugural UK Spotlight Awards Taking place on 24 October 2022.

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH), founded by Lorraine Copes as a way to advocate for racial equity in hospitality, food and drink, has announced its first ever UK BIH Spotlight Awards. 

These awards will take place on 24th October 2022 and will celebrate businesses and individuals of exceptional talent and achievement from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds working within the hospitality industry today.

Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, said: "Our aim for the BIH Spotlight Awards is to present opportunities for the nominees and winners alike enabling them to advance and widen their business networks and audiences. We look forward to celebrating the success of some of the brightest stars of the present and the future."

Nomination opened today (1st August) for the 11 award categories:

- Chef of the Year
- African Food
- Caribbean Food
- East and South East Asian Food South Asian Food
- Middle Eastern Food
- Bar/Pub of the Year
- Drinks Professional of the Year Writer of the Year
- Head Office Impact
- Rising Star

Along with this, the public is invited to put forward nominations in any category, and self-nominations are also accepted. However, the shortlist and winners will be decided by BIH's own expert judging panel.

In addition, there will be two People's Choice Awards that will be decided upon by calculating the most nominated person and restaurant.

- The Peoples’ Choice Person of the Year
- The Peoples’ Choice Restaurant of the Year.

The entries will be open via the BIH Spotlight Awards website until the 9th September 2022, with the shortlist being published on the 24th. Winners will be announced at a live event ceremony on Monday, 24th October 2022, which would take place at Percy's London.

The BIH Spotlight Awards judging panel will be co-chaired by TV presenter and celebrity chef, Andi Oliver, along with CEO and chairman of luxury restaurant, D&D London, Des Gunewardena.

Joining them on the judging panel will be food and diversity consultant Mallika Basu; Masterchef winner and restauranteur, Shelina Permalloo; author and chef, Mike Reid; global rum brand ambassador, Ian Burrell; wine and sake educator, Shane Jones. 

Andi Oliver said: "I am thrilled to be working with the brilliant Lorraine Copes and Be Inclusive Hospitality on these hugely significant awards. We all love our industry but there is no denying it needs a shake-up! The way that we view excellence can and should be expanded. There are amazing chefs from a plethora of backgrounds, working all over the country, who are creating stunning food that reflects the multiplicity of culture in the UK. This is a way to uplift and celebrate their work! And right on time, it is too!"

For further information on the BIH Spotlight Awards or to interview Lorraine Copes, founder of BIH or members of the judging panel please contact J E Communications jean@jeanegbunike.com or avis@jeanegbunike.com