Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH), has announced the finalists for its 3rd BIH Spotlight Awards, which will recognise the exceptional talent of Black, Asian, and ethnic minorities working within hospitality, food, and drink, across the UK. 

Be Inclusive Hospitality, was founded by Lorraine Copes in 2020, with a goal of creating an inclusive and fair hospitality sector. The BIH Spotlight Awards will celebrate winners across 15 categories, with two winners already decided by the public, after over 800 votes were cast. The ceremony will take place on Monday 21st October at M Threadneedle Street, London.

This year’s judging panel showcases an extensive list of esteemed hospitality leaders, including Nitisha Patel, Development Chef and founder of Nitisha Patel Food Consultancy, Culinary Director of Rare Restaurants Mike Reid, Co-Founder of Tayēr + Elementary Monica Berg, Founder & Executive Director of Peach 20/20 Peter Martin, Chef & Writer Akwasi Brenya-Mensah, and People Director at Rare Restaurants, Joanne Sullivan. 

Lorraine Copes told us………

“It genuinely feels like a privilege each year to receive hundreds of nominations about brilliant, ethnically diverse talent in hospitality across the UK – some of whom I have never encountered before. These awards were intentionally designed to highlight such talent, and I can’t wait to celebrate the finalists and winners at the awards ceremony on 21st October.”

Lorraine Copes (BIH)

There is one category we’ll be keeping an eye on this year. MAASI’S CARDIFF is a finalist in the South Asian Food section. This award will recognise exceptional South Asian food businesses. The award recipient will be a caterer, restaurant, or street food operator pushing the boundaries of creativity whilst running a successful business. The judges will be looking for consistent business performance supported by out-of-the-box thinking.

If the reviews are anything to go by the team At Maasi’s will be in with a real shout at the award…..

This is a proper hidden gem and deserves to have people queuing out of the door! The discreet front door and sign opens into a warmly decorated cafe area serving breakfast and lunches. The very friendly owner explained that they also do an evening curry club on prearranged evenings, and we will absolutely be back for this, as well for more breakfasts and lunches. The food was wonderful and Maasi’s is a superb and different addition to Cardiff’s existing excellent cafe culture and range of options.

Maasi’s – 2023

The finalists in all 15 categories are as follows…..

Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Caterer.com 

  1. Ayesha Kalaji – Queen of Cups 
  2. Mandy Yin – Sambal Shiok 
  3. Safiya Robinson – Sisterwoman Vegan 
  4. Maria Bradford – Shwen Shwen 

Drinks Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Rémy Cointreau 

  1. Paul Rutasikwa – Matugga Rum 
  2. Haps Dhand – Hey Bartender and Beverage Boutique 
  3. Mags Janjo – MJ Wine Cellars 
  4. Eron Mibo – Tales and Tails UK 

Pastry Chef of the Year 

  1. Benjamina Ebuehi – Benjamina Ebuehi 
  2. Darryl Collins – Hotel Endsleigh 
  3. Michael Kwan – The Dorchester 
  4. Sara Assad-Mannings – Bunhead Bakery 

Writer of the Year – Sponsored by Decanter 

  1. Riaz Phillips
  2. Maria Bradford – Shwen Shwen 
  3. Romy Gill
  4. Jonathan Nunn – Vittles 

Rising Star 

  1. Olawale Makinde – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 
  2. Davina Dhami – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 
  3. Rizwan Khan – Junsei 
  4. Phylisha Wisdom – The Glitch 

Head Office Impact 

  1. Nikita Mathew – Burger & Lobster 
  2. Shelly Sharma – Go Ask Eve 
  3. Jackie Hidalgo – JKS Restaurants 
  4. Leon Seraphin – Beyond Food Foundation 

Brand of the Year 

  1. Reign Rum 
  2. Chef Dom Taylor 
  3. The Flygerians 
  4. Kromanti Rum 

Bar or Pub of the Year – Sponsored by V Rum/WSET School London

  1. Eko Brewery and Tap Room 
  2. Trailer Happiness 
  3. The White Horse, Buckover 
  4. Jumbi 

African Food 

  1. RJ’s Cuisine 
  2. Suyaman 
  3. The Quirky Oven 
  4. Jollof Mama 

Caribbean Food 

  1. Jamaya 
  2. Ayannas London 
  3. Sweet Dee’s Jerk 
  4. Patois Food 

East & Southeast Asian Food 

  1. BAO 
  2. Little Yellow Rice Co.
  3. Maginhawa Group 
  4. Sambal Shiok 

Middle Eastern Food 

  1. Bunhead Bakery 
  2. Berenjak 
  3. Akub 
  4. Maroush 

South Asian Food 

  1. Maasi’s 
  2. Lorna’s Indian Kitchen 
  3. Arti-Cooks 
  4. Romy Gill 

People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by OpenTable 

  1. Chishuru 
  2. Opheem 
  3. Gouqi 
  4. Akara 

People’s Choice Person of the Year – Sponsored by Deliveroo 

  1. Hadas Hagos – Waste Not Want Not Battersea 
  2. Colinda Colaco – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham 
  3. Vicky Ilankovan – Equal Measures 
  4. Olawale Makinde – Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham

To find out more about the BIH Spotlight Awards go HERE

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