Oh what a night!
The best and brightest in York’s hospitality industry were showcased in a night of celebration last night (Thursday) at the Radisson Hotel in York, for the third annual HAY Hospitality Awards.
Launched in 2024 and organised by Hospitality Association York, the HAY Awards celebrate the individuals at the heart of the industry.
With 12 categories, 37 finalists were recognised for their contribution to the industry.
The awards event, hosted by York Town Crier Ben Fry, revealed the extraordinary story behind every finalist that shows just how life-changing a career in hospitality can be.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award, decided via a public vote on YorkMix, was Valentina Semeraro, the Meeting & Events Manager for the Radisson.
“It’s been a pleasure, it’s been very emotional,” Valentina told YorkMix‘s Tim Lichfield. “I didn’t expect that many people to vote for me, so it’s a nice surprise.
“I was nominated for the Back of House a couple of years ago, but I think this one is more emotional – this is the People’s Choice, not just from the judges.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Helen Curzon of Delta by Marriott York, recognising more than 30 years of putting people first.
Praised by judges for her hands-on leadership, dedication to helping others grow and ability to find solutions in challenging situations, Helen was described as someone who leads from the front and embodies the true meaning of hospitality.
Hospitality also has a remarkable way of coming together for the greater good. This year, HAY chose Hoping Street York Kitchen as its charity partner, aiming to raise enough to fund two weekly community kitchens. In less than two hours, attendees raised more than £1,200! Enough to fund four kitchens, demonstrating the generosity and community spirit of the night.
Kai Ikulayo, chair of the Hospitality Association and general manager at Novotel York, said: “The HAY Awards are about something very simple but incredibly important: celebrating people.
“We spend so much of our working lives making sure other people have a great time, and last night was our chance to celebrate the people who make that possible. From the people behind the scenes to those welcoming guests, solving problems and supporting their colleagues, every role matters.
“We’re incredibly proud of the talent, commitment and passion within York’s hospitality community, and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to recognise so many of those people and show them just how valued they are.”
All the winners
Back of House Hero (sponsored by York BID)
Benjamin Henry, Hilton York
Hospitality Apprentice (sponsored by York College)
Chris Burton, Middleton
Hospitality Hero (sponsored by Little Vikings)
Andrew Woodhouse, Sora Malmaison York
Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Perfect Venue Styling)
Helen Curzon, Delta by Marriott York
Most Promising Chef (sponsored by York St John’s University)
Sofiia Hordiienko, Middlethorpe Hall
People’s Choice – YorkMix Public Vote
Valentina Semeraro, Raddison York
Rising Star (sponsored by Indeed Flex)
Charlotte Hansell, Hampton by Hilton Piccadilly
Serving Superstar (sponsored by York Gin)
Edina Illes, Hotel Indigo
Sparkle award (sponsored by Adrian Salamon)
Fiona McCartney, The Grand York
Star Behind the Bar (sponsored by Bidfood)
Jason Curran, Hilton York
Team of the Year (sponsored by Betton Wines)
People Team, The Milner York
Warm Welcome (sponsored by City Cruises)
Rekha Mamgain, Novotel York Centre
Gallery
