Tuesday 10 November 2026
Looking for somewhere special to eat, drink or stay in London? The winners of Hospitality Awards UK 2026 make a pretty good shortlist. The fourth edition of the awards took place last night, Monday 9 November, at The Waldorf Hilton in London, with fifteen awards celebrating chefs, bartenders, hotel teams and the people behind the UK’s best hospitality. Winners included Claridge’s, The Devonshire, Bread Ahead and chef Adam Byatt, and the evening raised support for Hospitality Action. Here are five things to know.
1. A gala night at The Waldorf Hilton
The awards brought together hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, institutions and emerging talent at The Waldorf Hilton for a reception, gala dinner and awards ceremony. Host Mikee Introna guided guests through the evening. Opening remarks came from Rossella Gentile, Acting Consul at the Consulate General of Italy in London, from the organisers and from Jez Gibson, Marketing and Operations Director at Hospitality Action. The event was held under the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy in London, the Italian Cultural Institute in London and ENIT. Platinum Partners included C. Carnevale Ltd, illy, Sei Bellissimi, San Felice and The Waldorf Hilton London itself.
2. The chefs and bakers who took home awards
Food was at the heart of the night. Adam Byatt was named Chef Restaurateur of the Year, presented by Luigi Carnevale of C. Carnevale Ltd, while Gaetano Farucci won Chef of the Year. Francesco Genovese took Pastry Chef of the Year, presented by Marcello Canetti, Managing Director of illy caffè UK. Silvestro Morlando was crowned Pizza Chef of the Year, with the award presented by pizza consultant Marco Fuso, founder of MFP Pizza Flour. Bread Ahead was named Bakery of the Year, presented by Simone Remoli, Vice President of UK Confederation and CEO of Remoli Group and Meat & Social Group. That is a tasty list of names to seek out.
3. Claridge’s and The Devonshire among the big winners
If you are planning a special night out, the venue winners are worth noting. Claridge’s was named Hotel of the Year, while The Devonshire picked up Pub & Bar of the Year. On the drinks side, Emma Denney won Sommelier of the Year, presented by Achille Di Carlo, CEO of San Felice, and Giorgio Bargiani was named Bar & Beverage Professional of the Year. Front-of-house talent was recognised too, with Matthew Jackson taking Guest Experience Professional of the Year, presented by Greg Crawford, General Manager of The Waldorf Hilton. Together they show the range of people who make a great evening out happen.
4. Leaders, visionaries and rising stars
The awards also celebrated the people shaping the industry’s future. Tony Matharu received the Hospitality Visionary Award, presented by Danilo Pozone, Global Brand Manager of Sei Bellissimi, and Sandeep Bhalla was named Hospitality Leader of the Year. Duncan Palmer received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Stefano Di Giosia was named Rising Star of the Year, presented by Julia Bile and Henssy Sanchez of Catererglobal, and Francesco Mattana won Hospitality Content Creator of the Year. As Simone Remoli, Vice President of UK Confederation, put it: “Celebrating outstanding work also gives the next generation real examples of passion, professionalism and guest care.”
5. Italian roots, an independent jury and a good cause
Hospitality Awards UK is organised by UK Confederation by CONFASSOCIAZIONI, led by President Stefano Potortì with Vice Presidents Gaetano Bauso and Simone Remoli. Nominations came from an independent jury of Salvatore Calabrese, Luca Virgilio, Danilo Cortellini, Michele Pascarella, Salvatore Fernandez, Angelo Coassin and Alice Sampo. Stefano Potortì said: “Hospitality is built on the work of people who know how to make others feel welcome, lead a team and turn an idea into a memorable experience.” Gaetano Bauso added that the edition “reflects the Awards’ broader focus on UK hospitality, while staying rooted in our Italian origins.” The evening also supported Hospitality Action, which helps people who work or have worked in hospitality, through a silent auction with online bidding.
Visit
Hospitality Awards UK 2026 (fourth edition)
Held on Monday 9 November 2026 at The Waldorf Hilton, London
Organised by UK Confederation by CONFASSOCIAZIONI in support of Hospitality Action
Event office: info@hospitalityawardsuk.co.uk
Hashtag: #HospitalityAwardsUK