Harrogate’s hospitality heroes were recognised for their excellence and commitment last night (6th June) at the Hospitality and Tourism Awards.

The annual gala dinner celebrated the best the town has to offer at Harrogate’s Royal Hall.

This year was the fourteenth year of the sell-out awards evening 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 and proud award sponsors to present the coveted award categories. 

The Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards aim to promote the town’s hospitality offering by celebrating and rewarding those who show the highest levels of commitment and strive towards excellence on the town’s behalf. 

Simon Cotton and David Ritson at the Hospitality and Tourism awards.

During February and March this year, members of the public and visitors to Harrogate were invited to nominate individuals who they thought deserved special recognition.

This year another new award, Housekeeper of the Year, was added and helped generate over 1000 nominations before a shortlist was chosen by judges across the thirteen categories. 

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.”

He added:

“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.”

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!”

The award winners were:

Waiter/Waitress of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate Spring Water

Happiness Brown – Majestic Hotel

Bar Person of the Year – sponsored by Matthew Clark

Kallum Atkinson – Fat Badger

Chef of the Year – sponsored by Sykes House Farm

Callum Bower – Rudding Park

Team of the Year – sponsored by Platinum 

Starling Bar Café Kitchen

Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate College

Hopkins @ Horticap

Unsung Hero – sponsored by Bidfood

Louiza Noland – Banyan 

Best Achievement of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate BID

Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

Outstanding Customer Service – sponsored by Slingsby

Domenico Ponziani – Sasso 

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by the World of James Herriot

Drum & Monkey

Bar of the Year – sponsored by Timothy Taylor’s

Tap on Tower Street

Receptionist of the Year – Sponsored by Bookers Wholesale

Sam Ramsden – Rudding Park

Housekeeper of the Year – Sponsored by Beaucare

Elaine Long – Old Swan Hotel

Harrogate Ambassador of the Year sponsored by Harrogate Christmas Market

Harry Satloka

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