The awards recognise individuals who have contributed to their business and the industry over the past year.
Friederich Machala from Sodexo won Contract Catering Chef of the Year, Caroline McClelland from Mount Charles Group scooped the Contract Catering Manager of the Year award and Caitriona Lennox from Mount Charles Group picked up the Business Development Manager of the Year award.
Chair of the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Branch, Marianne Hood, commented: “We are delighted to reveal the 23rd Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism 2018 winners. Over the years the awards have increasingly become an important event for individual industry professionals in Northern Ireland."
For 2018, there were 21 categories, including four new ones: Duty Manager of the Year, General Manager of the Future, Human Resource Manager of the Year and Unsung Hero. This year saw a record number of entries.
The winners were:
Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by People 1st
· Rachel Carson – Ballyrobin Country Lodge
Hotel Chef of the Year sponsored by Get Fresh
· Conor McClelland – Rayanne House
Hotelier of the Year sponsored by MKB Law
· David Morrison – Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges
Human Resource Manager of the Year sponsored by Gen Tech
· Stefanie Brooks – Hastings Culloden Estate & Spa
Front of House Manager of the Year sponsored by Avvio
· Lucy Waugh – Bullitt Hotel
Lecturer of the Year sponsored by Institute of Hospitality
· Sharon Rolt – Belfast Met
Business Development Manager of the Year Award sponsored by Johnsons Coffee
· Caitriona Lennox – Mount Charles Group
Contract Catering Manager of the Year sponsored by Deli Lites
· Caroline McClelland – Mount Charles Group
Hospitality Management Team of the Year sponsored by firmus energy
· Bull & Ram
Supplier of the Year sponsored by NIMMS
· Leah Robb – Robb Brothers Wine Merchants
Independent Bar Manager of the Year sponsored by Molson Coors
· Roisin McErlean – The Tipsy Bird
Restaurateur of the Year sponsored by Hugh Jordan
· Daryl Shields – Bull & Ram
Duty Manager of the Year sponsored by McAlindon Wines
· Jose Castano – Hilton Templepatrick
Housekeeping Manager of the Year sponsored by Lilliput Services
· Michael Joseph – The Old Inn
Contract Catering Chef of the Year sponsored by Irwin's Bakery
· Friederich Machala – Sodexo
Restaurant Chef of the Year sponsored by Henderson Foodservice
· Paul Cunningham – Brunels Restaurant Newcastle
Coffee Shop / Café Manager of the Year sponsored by Lynas Foodservice
· Cathy Moore – Loaf Café Bakery
General Manager of the Future sponsored by Tourism NI
· John Paul Taggart – Odyssey Bowl
Unsung Hero of the Year sponsored by Net Affinity
· Laura Wilson – Sodexo
Student Management Potential Award sponsored by Stephens Catering
· Thomas Stinton – Ulster University Business School