Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) has announced the winners of its BIH Spotlight Awards 2026, showcasing the exceptional people and businesses making a stir in the UK’s hospitality sector.
Among the winners are:
- A double-gong for Nathaniel Mortley (NattyCanCook) – one of the most powerful redemption stories in hospitality, SE London chef Nathaniel rebuilt his life through food after a prison sentence. He has been recognised for raising the profile of Caribbean cuisine, winning both the People’s Choice Person of the Year Award and the Best Caribbean Food category.
- The world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant – Chuku’s voted People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year, with Tottenham sibling duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick celebrated for their innovative concept and authentic cuisine
- One of the UK’s first accredited female beer sommeliers – Birmingham beer writer, journalist and broadcaster Marverine Cole wins Beverage Professional of the Year
- Glastonbury’s ‘Queen’ crowned Chef of the Year – Welsh-Jordanian Ayesha Kalaji has been recognised for her unique style of Middle Eastern cuisine at Queen of Cups
- Gluten-free chef founder named Rising Star – self-taught Londoner Dijön Bascombe has built one of the UK’s most respected gluten-free brands with his 100% coeliac-safe pizza Good F’ing Pizza
- Chef changing how Britain sees Pakistani food and flavours – Saliha Khan has won the South Asian Award, celebrated for championing modern Pakistani cooking through her unique storytelling and culinary offerings
Now in their fifth year, with OpenTable as returning Headline Sponsor, the awards on Monday 12 October brought together 300 industry professionals at Quaglino’s in London to celebrate the achievements of the sector’s Black and ethnic minority talent. The award winners were announced across 16 categories, spanning chefs, restaurants, pubs, drinks professionals, brands, cuisines, people leaders and writers.
The awards recognise talent at every stage of their journey, from emerging individuals and independent operators to established experts, brands and businesses; with the 2026 finalists representing seven regions of the UK and more than 10 cuisines. This breadth truly highlights the diversity, passion, creativity and ambition driving the industry forward today.
Lorraine Copes, Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality, said:
Every year, these awards bring new stories, journeys and ambitions from 60 finalists. What has remained constant over the past five years is the exhilaration, celebration and connections forged between our community and partners, a reminder of hospitality’s bright future.
Recognition and visibility for deserving people and businesses matter more than ever. Hospitality is a tough industry to navigate, and my hope is that these awards continue to give our finalists the encouragement and momentum to keep moving forward.
Laure Bornet, SVP International Growth at OpenTable, said:
Five years in, these awards keep proving a crucial point: hospitality’s future is as diverse as it is talented. This year’s finalists represent seven UK regions and more than 10 cuisines, reflecting the creativity, ambition and breadth that make the industry so exciting. We’re proud to continue to partner with Be Inclusive Hospitality in celebrating their achievements.
The winners of the 2026 BIH Spotlight Awards are:
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Caterer.com
- Ayesha Kalaji – Queen of Cups
Rising Star – Sponsored by Matthew Clark Bibendum
- Dijön Bascombe, Chef & Founder – Dijön Cafe, London
Writer of the Year – Sponsored by Mentzendorff
- Safiya Robinson – Sisterwoman
Wine Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Decanter
- Emmanuel Mireku – Manny Does Wine
Beverage Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Moët Hennessy U.K
- Marverine Cole – Accredited Beer Sommelier
Head Office Impact – Sponsored by Unox
- Priya Narain, Head of Purpose & Programmes – KERB+
CUISINE CATEGORIES
African Food – Sponsored by The Voice
- Chishuru
Caribbean Food – Sponsored by The Voice
- 2210 by NattyCanCook
East and Southeast Asian Food
- Liu Xiaomian
South Asian Food
- Third Culture Kat
Middle Eastern Food
- Mouna’s Kitchen
PEOPLE’S CHOICE CATEGORIES
People’s Choice Person of the Year – Sponsored by Deliveroo
- Nathaniel Mortley – 2210 by NattyCanCook
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by OpenTable
- Chuku’s
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
Bar/Pub of the Year – Sponsored by OpenTable
- House of MOBO
Brand of the Year – Sponsored by Electrolux Professional
- Flake Bake
This year’s BIH Spotlight Icon Award was awarded to the late chef Dominic Taylor, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Honouring his outstanding talent and contribution to hospitality and Caribbean fine dining, entrepreneur, celebrity chef and musician Levi Roots presented the award to Dominic’s family on the night. Dominic’s creativity, skill and ambition brought the richness of Caribbean flavours to a wider audience, and his culinary legacy will live on.
The BIH Spotlight Awards were established to recognise outstanding Black and ethnic minority talent across hospitality, food and drink, while creating opportunities to connect, inspire and help shape the future of the industry.
This year’s winners were selected following a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of leading hospitality figures, with judges including Shereen Ritchie, Managing Director of Kuvi Hospitality; Clement Ogbonnaya MBE, Founder of the Village People Pub Company; Laure Bornet, SVP of International Growth at OpenTable; and Junior Lewis, Global Hospitality Client Consultant at Caterer.com.
The People’s Choice awards were voted for by the public, allowing them to champion their favourite restaurant and hospitality professional from the shortlisted finalists.