Finalists announced for the 2025 HAY Hospitality Awards
HAY (Hospitality Association York) are delighted to announce the return of the HAY Hospitality Awards 2025, and to reveal this year’s finalists.
The Hospitality Awards recognise and champion the teams and individuals whose passion and dedication bring our hotels to life. Their commitment not only creates unforgettable experiences for visitors, but also makes the workplace itself easier, more rewarding, and inspiring. Celebrating the people behind the scenes, the awards highlight the true heart of York’s visitor economy, those who go above and beyond every day to make a lasting difference.
Stefan Micevski, Chair of HAY, said: “After the huge success of last year’s awards, we’re thrilled to once again recognise the outstanding individuals who make York’s hospitality truly exceptional. Despite another challenging year for the industry, with rising costs and continued pressures, our people have continued to go above and beyond, exceeding guest expectations at every turn. My heartfelt congratulations go to all the finalists, we look forward to recognising your achievements and celebrating the very best of York’s hospitality in just a few weeks’ time.”
The finalists were carefully selected from over 80 entries by a panel of four esteemed local judges: Polly Bennett (Little Vikings), Brendan Paddison (York St John University), Chris Pegg (City Cruises), and Eleanor Bryson (Make It York). The judges faced the challenging task of selecting the finalists from many exceptional entries, they were deeply impressed by the enthusiasm, commitment, and resilience shown by individuals – often demonstrated even in the face of personal challenges.
The 2025 Finalists are:
Back of House Hero (sponsored by York BID)
Dave Holder, Middletons
Angela Rose, Middlethorpe Hall
Kate Sneesby, Novotel York
Hospitality Apprentice (sponsored by York College)
Yasmin De Souza, Hilton York
Chris Burton, Middletons
Vanitha Selvaraj, Novotel York Centre
Hospitality Team (sponsored by Betton Wines)
The entire team, Middletons
Forest Team, Galtres Team
Kitchen Team, The Grand York
Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Perfect Venue Styling)
Fiona Thompson, Delta by Marriott York
Paul (Harry) Harrison, Middlethorpe Hall
Dave Bingham, Middletons
Nigel Faxon, Radisson York
Andy Warrilow, Radisson York
Carolynn Foster, The Milner York
Karen Roberts, The Queen’s Hotel
Most Promising Chef (sponsored by York St John’s University)
Josh Harrison, Delta by Marriott York
Jonny Robertson, Middletons
George Marghia, The Milner York
People’s Choice – York Mix Public Vote
Alison Walker, Dean Court
Georgina Warwick, Middlethorpe Hall
Anna Czarnik, Middletons
Rising Star (sponsored by Studio YCS)
Imogen Webster, Delta by Marriott York
Jess Dickinson, Middletons
Emily Silvester-Morgan, The Milner York
Serving Superstar (sponsored by York Distillery)
Victor Esan, Elmbank York
Shona Miral, Middlethorpe Hall
Ben Winterburn, Dean Court
Sparkle award (sponsored by Ignite Concerts)
Eva Plavenice, Middlethorpe Hall
Maria Capasso, Elmbank York
Gemma Mason, Hilton York
Star Behind the Bar (sponsored by Ellers Farm Distillery – Dutch Barn)
Katy Dunham, Malmaison
Matthew Brough, The Grand York
Mo Abdelsattar, The Milner York
Unsung Hero (sponsored by Little Vikings)
Gyem Dorji, Galtres Lodge
Julia Betteridge, Middlethorpe Hall
Sean Moran, The Milner York
Warm Welcome (sponsored by City Cruises)
Syikeen Nurun, Elmbank York
Michael Woodworth, Hilton York
Samuel Wyn Humphreys, Middlethorpe Hall
The awards will take place on Thursday 18th September, hosted by York’s Town Crier, Ben Fry. Generously supported by hospitality suppliers from across York and beyond, the evening promises to be a celebration of talent, dedication, and resilience, bringing together the people who make York’s hospitality sector so exceptional.