Fourth Edition — Monday 9 November 2026
Celebrating the people who make hospitality exceptional.
An exclusive black-tie gala at The Waldorf Hilton London, bringing together leading figures and emerging talent from across the UK hospitality industry — in support of Hospitality Action.
- Date
- Monday 9 November 2026
- Venue
- The Waldorf Hilton, London
- Dress code
- Black tie, invitation only
- Charity partner
- Hospitality Action
Sponsors & Partners
The organisations behind Hospitality Awards UK
Consolato Generale d'Italia a Londra
ENIT
Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Londra
illy
An icon of Italian coffee culture, bringing quality, creativity and unmistakable Italian excellence to hospitality worldwide.
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Sei Bellissimi
Contemporary Italian aperitivo, combining craftsmanship, style and a modern interpretation of classic Italian cocktail culture.
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The Waldorf Hilton, London
An iconic London hotel where Edwardian heritage, contemporary hospitality and timeless elegance come together.
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San Felice
A historic Tuscan wine estate celebrating terroir, craftsmanship and the excellence of Italian winemaking.
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Carnevale
One of the UK's leading Italian food specialists, bringing premium Italian ingredients to hospitality professionals nationwide.
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Organised by
UK Confederation by CONFASSOCIAZIONI
Charity partner
Hospitality ActionA small number of partnerships remains available for the fourth edition, offered only to aligned brands.
Request the brochureAbout the Awards
Recognising talent. Connecting the industry. Inspiring the future.
Hospitality Awards UK began with a simple conviction: that the people behind every memorable stay, meal and welcome deserve an evening dedicated to them. Hosted annually in London, the Awards have grown into a refined platform for dialogue, recognition and meaningful connections across the industry.
The Awards bring together chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, entrepreneurs, brands, institutions, media and emerging professionals — celebrating those who elevate hospitality through vision, dedication and excellence.
Now in its fourth edition, the evening is organised by UK Confederation by CONFASSOCIAZIONI and held under the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy in London, on the occasion of the Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World.
- Edition in 2026
- 4th
- Edition in 2026
- Award categories
- 15
- Award categories
- Remarkable evening
- One
- Remarkable evening
The 2026 Gala
One industry. One remarkable evening.
On Monday 9 November 2026, The Waldorf Hilton London opens its doors to an invitation-only audience of hospitality owners and executives, acclaimed chefs, institutional representatives, cultural and media figures — an evening where experience takes precedence over spectacle.
Programme
- 7.00pmChampagne reception
- 7.30pmOfficial opening & institutional addresses
- 8.00pmDinner & awards ceremony
- 10.30pmCarriages
Hosted by a recognised industry figure, with live music curated for an elegant atmosphere. Dress code is black tie. Attendance is strictly by invitation.
Award Categories
Fifteen awards, across every discipline of hospitality
Each award is decided by an independent jury of industry experts, nominating against published guidance for every category. Results are subject to eligibility and conflict-of-interest checks before any winner is confirmed.
- 01
Chef of the Year
An outstanding UK-based chef whose work combines culinary excellence, leadership and a meaningful contribution to the profession.
- 02
Pizza Chef of the Year
The individual professional behind exceptional pizza, recognising pizza-making as a specialist discipline.
- 03
Pastry Chef of the Year
An exceptional pastry professional working in a hotel, restaurant, bakery, patisserie, catering business or hospitality operation.
Presented by
- 04
Sommelier of the Year
A sommelier who combines outstanding wine and beverage knowledge with excellent service, communication and commercial judgement.
Presented by
- 05
Bar & Beverage Professional of the Year
An outstanding bartender, mixologist, bar manager or beverage professional who creates a distinctive and responsible drinking experience.
Presented by
- 06
Hospitality Leader of the Year
A senior operational or corporate leader whose performance, values and vision have strengthened a UK hospitality organisation.
- 07
Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year
A founder, owner or operator who has created, grown or successfully transformed a hospitality business in the UK.
- 08
Guest Experience Professional of the Year
An exceptional customer-facing professional who creates memorable, personalised and consistently outstanding guest experiences.
- 09
Rising Star of the Year
An outstanding hospitality professional aged 30 or under on 31 December 2026 who demonstrates exceptional potential and early achievement.
- 10
Restaurant of the Year
A UK restaurant delivering a distinctive, consistently excellent and commercially credible experience within its market position.
Presented by
- 11
Hotel of the Year
A UK hotel delivering excellence throughout the complete guest journey and representing the best of its market segment.
- 12
Pub & Bar of the Year
An outstanding UK pub or bar combining a distinctive experience, excellent hospitality and sustainable commercial performance.
- 13
Bakery of the Year
An outstanding UK bakery delivering exceptional quality, craftsmanship and customer experience.
- 14
Hospitality Content Creator of the Year
A creator, influencer, presenter, podcaster, reviewer or digital storyteller whose work promotes hospitality with credibility and measurable impact.
- 15
Lifetime Achievement Award
An exceptional individual whose career, leadership and contribution have created a lasting legacy within UK hospitality.
The Jury
Judged by people who know the craft
A respected jury and a selective process are central to the value of the recognition. Select a name to read more.
Independent
Judges act in a personal capacity. No sponsor, partner or organiser influences the outcome of any category.
Rigorous
Each juror nominates against published guidance for every category, and every result is subject to eligibility and conflict-of-interest checks.
Representative
The panel is drawn from across the industry — kitchens, hotels, bars, pizza, media and beyond — to reflect hospitality as a whole.
Charity Partner
An industry that looks after its people
Hospitality is built on care — and that care must extend to the people who work within it. That is why the fourth edition of Hospitality Awards UK is proud to support Hospitality Action, the charity that has stood beside hospitality workers in times of crisis, hardship and recovery since 1837.
On the night, guests will be invited to contribute through dedicated fundraising moments, with proceeds going directly to Hospitality Action’s support services for industry workers and their families.
Contact & Enquiries
We would be delighted to hear from you
Write to us at info@hospitalityawardsuk.co.uk — or choose the enquiry that fits below.
#HospitalityAwardsUK