The eight winners were announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 22 September. There were over 500 nominations that were whittled down eight judges, including Jill Whittaker co-founder and director of HIT Training, Jeremy Gibson marketing director at Hospitality Action and Peter Ducker chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality.
Sam Chance, Montgomery Group and HRC head of marketing, said: “The response to the Hospitality Lockdown Hero Awards has been nothing short of astounding. We received over 500 nominations which included individuals, businesses and organisations of all sizes from the length and breadth of the country, and over 5000 of our industry peers cast their vote online to help determine the winners.
“I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the nominees, the shortlisted finalists and of course, the overall winners in each category. The innovation, compassion and entrepreneurial spirit you have shown during the most testing of times is evidence, if it were needed, of just what an amazing industry we all work in.
“I would also like to thank our judging committee, who had the unenviable task of choosing just six finalists for each category from the 523 nominees who were all worthy heroes in their own right.”
The winners of the Hospitality Lockdown Hero Awards include:
- The Outstanding Business of Lockdown – Viva Italia Group
- Most Innovative At-Home Experience – Signature Brewery
- The Most Inspiring Product or Service – Open Kitchen Manchester
- The Most Impactful Social Media Campaign – Brewgooder
- The Outstanding Individual of Lockdown– Kate Nicholls, UK Hospitality
- Best Community Initiative – Angel & Crown
- Most Dynamic Collaboration– Only a Pavement Away
- Best Business Transformation – La Tua Pasta