THE hotel industry in and around Southampton celebrated the industry’s high achievers.

Southampton Region Hoteliers Association held its second Hospitality Awards at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in the city.

The event saw 140 delegates enjoying a drinks reception, three-course meal and live entertainment including flame throwers and a magician.

Supporters included headline sponsor Cab My Ride and commercial radio partner Wave 105, whose award was chosen by 2,000 members of the public.

The winners were as follows.

Mentor of the Year Award (sponsored by The Marketing Collective): Maciej Piwowarski from Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour.

Rising Star of the Year Award (sponsored by Hotelcare): Grace Welton from Solent Hotel and Spa.

Chef of the Year Award (sponsored by City College Southampton): Mark Grieveson from New Place Hotel.

Operational Excellence of the Year Award (sponsored by Afonwen): Jeff Foster from Holiday Inn Southampton.

Top Team of the Year Award (sponsored by GO! Southampton): The Front Office Team at Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour.

Community Award (sponsored by Wave 105 and chosen by their listeners): New Place Hotel.

Student/Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Destination Southampton): Rhys Orman from Best Western Chilworth Manor.

Sales & Revenue Person/Team of the Year Award (sponsored by RPC Group): Jake Bowerman from DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton Hotel

Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by ElemenTel): Suzanne Meeze from Holiday Inn Fareham-Solent.

Best of the Rest Award (sponsored by Cab My Ride): Stephen Axton from Best Western Chilworth Manor

Nathan Chart, chair of the Hoteliers Association, said “These awards showcase the best talent in the region and outstanding achievements for customer service, commitment and market growth. They are a fantastic way to not only celebrate success, drive and passion, but to also promote our amazing regional hospitality industry as a career to future generations. The 2020 awards have been such a success and a great way to celebrate.”

Money raised at the awards will provide more than 12,000 meals to local families through the charity FareShare Southern Central. FareShare provides enough food to create almost a million meals for vulnerable people every week.

A special went to supporters Cab My Ride, the Marketing Collective, Hotelcare, City College Southampton, Afonwen, GO! Southampton, Wave 105, Destination Southampton, RPC Group, ElemenTel, the host Davina Sparkle, All Parties and Events, Event Perfection, Moxhams, Dave Dodge Photography, Chair Covers of Hampshire, Pinkster Gin, Charles Hope Apartments, Manic Stage Productions, Marcus Bailey Magician, the Candy Floss King, Ethical Mail & Print, City College hospitality students who helped with the food service on the night and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Southampton.