Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards 2018: Shortlist revealed

A total of 1,500 nominations were received this year - an awards record - and category sponsors and organisers were in town this week to meet some of the nominees after having deliberated long and hard over the entires.

Celebrating their tenth year, the awards are organised and hosted by Destination Harrogate, the association of the leading hotels of the

town.

David Ritson, of Destination Harrogate, said: “This is our tenth year anniversary for these awards and it is clear from the number of entries we received again this year, that these awards have truly captured the imagination of those working in, or affected by hospitality and tourism, and shows what a major industry it is for the town.

“As the quality of the votes improves we have been keen to go and see these stars in action and it is great to see their faces when they realise their hard work has been appreciated.

“Harrogate relies heavily on both business and leisure tourism and everyone involved in the chain of visitor service delivery play their part in continuing to deliver the excellent standards of service and hospitality associated with Harrogate.”

Simon Cotton, also of Destination Harrogate, commented: “The judges were once again impressed by the level and quality of entries this year and it took a lot of deliberating to decide who would make the shortlist.

“There were a lot of categories where it was really hard to have to leave out some really fantastic entries and I only hope that those who haven’t made it this year to the short list will try again next year.

“Winners in each category are still to be decided and to ensure we have the best candidates shortlisted several sponsors will be visiting the nominees at their place of work in coming weeks to see them in action and possibly even talk to them about their jobs.

“Some, however, will be doing this undercover, so watch out nominees as there’s still a lot to play

for!

“There is no doubt that the awards night on​June 4 will once again be a quick sell out as it has proved to be year after year and with it being a special one, our tenth year, I know it’s going to a very special party to celebrate all the success that it has been in the past”.

If you would like to come and support those shortlisted, tickets are available through Linda Bradley by phone on 01423 858585 or email:​[email protected]​ costing £60 per

person.

Demand for tickets is already high and organisers are urging people to book early in order to avoid disappointment.

Category shortlists

Waiter/Waitress of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate Spring Water:

Brogan Russell – West Park hotel Simon Barker – Balterzens

Anita Liddell – The Old Swan hotel Matthew Weller – ASK Italian Toby Bull - Lockwoods

Bar Person of the Year – sponsored by Matthew Clark:

Chloe Thompson– Hales Bar

Matthew ‘Max’ Hall – The Den

Jaks Gardner – The Fat Badger Neil Young – Crowne Plaza hotel Dan Glover – Coach & Horses

Chef of the Year – sponsored by Sykes House Farm:

Murray Wilson – Horto

Bethany Haresign – The Wild Plum Damien – Deanos Graze & Grill Oli Barta – William and Victoria Michael Carr – Restaurant 92

Team of the Year – sponsored by Platinum Print:

Events Team at the Majestic hotel

Tilly Peppers

La Feria

William & Victoria’s

Crackerjack BBQ

Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by Harrogate College:

Starling Independent Beer and Coffee House Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours

The Ivy

Gino’s Harrogate

Unsung Hero – sponsored by Bidfood:

Kita Hudson, Last Post

Terri Cole, Old Swan Hotel

Julie Wells, Cedar Court Hotel

St Michaels Volunteer Team

Harrogate Borough Council Parks & Gardens Team

Best Achievement of the Year – sponsored by Blueline Taxis:

Transdev - Harrogate Bus Company

Harrogate In Bloom

Yorkshire Heart Vineyard

Rudding Park Spa

Outstanding Customer Service​– Slingsby:

Mykonos Bar & Grill

Laura Fell – West Park hotel

Tilly Peppers

Dejan ‘Deni’ Nikusevski - William & Victoria’s

Tracey Latimer – The Yorkshire Hotel

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Visit Harrogate:

Horto

Norse

The Ivy

Konak Meze

Restaurant 92

Bar of the Year – sponsored by Timothy Taylor’s:

Christies

Hales Bar

Last Post

Fat Badger

Harrogate Ambassador - sponsored by Harrogate Christmas Market.

The winner of this special award is to be announced on the night.