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Hospitality workers have been celebrated for their dedication and professionalism.

Hospitality heroes honoured in glittering York awards ceremony

The HAY Awards Winners of 2026 (Image: Your Creative Sauce)

York's hospitality workers have been celebrated for their dedication and professionalism.

It was a night of celebration for York’s hospitality community as the third annual HAY Hospitality Awards took place at the Radisson Hotel York on Thursday night.

The awards, which have become a major date in the city’s hospitality calendar, recognised the people behind the businesses across 12 categories, with 37 finalists honoured for their outstanding contributions.

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.

The awards were staged at the Radisson Hotel. (Image: Your Creative Sauce)

"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."

The awards highlighted the values that define the industry, with nominees praised for their passion, dedication, resilience, reliability, and professionalism.

The judges with host Ben Fry. (Image: Your Creative Sauce)

Many finalists were recognised for going above and beyond, whether stepping up in emergencies, supporting colleagues and guests, or continuing to deliver excellence despite personal challenges.

Helen Curzon of Delta by Marriott York was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring more than 30 years of service in the industry.

Judges commended her hands-on leadership, commitment to developing others, and ability to find solutions in difficult situations.

Ms Curzon was described as someone who "leads from the front and embodies the true meaning of hospitality."

The event also showcased the industry’s strong sense of community.

This year’s charity partner was Hoping Street York Kitchen, with the goal of raising enough funds to support two weekly community kitchens.

In less than two hours, attendees donated more than £1,200—enough to fund four kitchens.

Helen Curzon, who won the lifetime achievement award. (Image: Your Creative Sauce)

"There’s a reason the HAY Awards have become one of the biggest nights in York’s hospitality calendar.

"They celebrate the people behind the businesses, but it’s the people in the room who make the night what it is—coming together to champion their colleagues, fly the flag for their teams, and celebrate an industry they’re proud to be part of."

The full list of 2025 HAY Hospitality Award winners is as follows:

The awards were made possible through the support of numerous sponsors and partners, many of whom have developed long-standing relationships with the HAY team.

HAY added: "Many of these relationships have grown far beyond business; they are people considered friends, who are there when the pressure is on and who make it all the more special to have them alongside HAY for the good times too."