THE heroes of the hospitality industry were honoured after a turbulent time for the industry.

The third Hospitality Awards, organised by the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association, celebrated the best the sector has to offer.

Around 140 people attended the awards event at Novotel Southampton to see winners crowned from the three finalists in each of nine categories.

Nathan Chart, chair of the Hoteliers Association, said: “The awards are a fantastic way to showcase the talent, dedication and achievements in the hospitality industry and as nominees are put forward by their colleagues and employers, it's a great way to say thank you and to get the recognition they deserve for their achievements.

“The awards this year were especially welcomed following such a turbulent time for the hospitality industry and sponsors have again said that judging was a very close call. It’s been a brilliant night and we hope that awards like these, promote the fantastic regional hospitality industry and inspire future career choices.”

Simon May, chief executive of headline sponsor Radio Taxis, said: “Radio Taxis are so pleased to have been part of the Hospitality Awards. The regional hospitality industry is huge and the hotels and individuals have been rightly recognised for their dedication and outstanding service they provide to both visitors and locals.”

The not-for-profit awards raised £2,545 for charity FareShare Southern Central and Simon May announced on the night that the sponsor would double that amount for the charity.

FareShare saves more than 1,861 tonnes of good surplus food from right across the food supply chain and redistributes it to 200 charities and community groups who provide meals to people in need – such as food banks, hostels, refuges, pantries, community centres, older people’s lunch clubs and breakfast and after school clubs for children.

Mandy Holdaway, operations manager at FareShare Southern Central, said “The awards ceremony was such a great way to showcase the talent and commitment from the hotels and staff. We were thrilled to again be the chosen charity that the awards support and would like to say a massive thank you to the sponsors, supporters, attendees and organisers of the evening.

"I couldn’t believe it when Simon May announced that as headline sponsor, Radio Taxis would double the amount raised. The £5,090 will make such a difference to local families.”

Winners were as follows.

Operational Excellence of the Year Award (sponsored by the Marketing Collective): Patina Farnham, Novotel Southampton.

Rising Star of the Year (sponsored by SWJ Events): Lucy Whittington, Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa.

Chef of the Year (Judged by Hampshire Fare): Tim Smith, New Place Hotel.

Lockdown Hero (sponsored by the So SO Show): Michael Clitheroe, Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa.

Top Team of the Year (sponsored by Comax UK): Mr Covid Emergency Team, Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh.

Community Award (sponsored by GO! Southampton): Novotel Southampton.

Sales and Revenue of the Year Award (sponsored by Hotelcare): Jon Fisher, New PlaceHotel.

Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Fire Hospitality): Richard Fletcher, Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh.

Best of the Rest Award (sponsored by Headline Sponsor, Radio Taxis): Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 J7 for Community Award.

Thanks went to sponsors and supporters Radio Taxis, the Marketing Collective, SWJ Events, So SO Show, Comax UK, GO! Southampton, Hotelcare, Fire Hospitality, Hampshire Fare, Alder Hospitality Management, All Parties and Events, Event Perfection, Ethical Mail & Print, Dave Dodge Photography, Marcus Bailey Magician, 22 Midnight, Trust Water, Hampshire’s Top Attractions, City College Hospitality students and Novotel Southampton.