Award winners with David Ritson and Simon Cotton from Destination Harrogate and Mark Charnock and Dominic Brunt, aka Marlon and Paddy from ITV’s Emmerdale

THE cream of Harrogate’s hospitality industry have been recognised at a gala dinner at the town’s Royal Hall.

Now in its second year, The Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards  - organised by Destination Harrogate -  was hosted by Mark Charnock and Dominic Brunt, aka Marlon and Paddy from ITV’s Emmerdale.

Members of the public and visitors to Harrogate were invited to nominate individuals who they thought deserved special recognition.

Eight hundred nominations were collected before a shortlist of 36 was chosen by judges across nine categories.

This year’s winners include Harrogate Theatre which, having made the journey from the jaws of closure in recent years to celebrating its best year in a 110 year history, won Best Achievement of the Year award.

Team of the Year celebrated the commitment of voluntary team, the Harrogate at Christmas Group.

The group has brought people together from different areas of the community and has managed to achieve a 50% increase in the town’s Christmas lights.

David Ritson, chairman of Destination Harrogate and general manager of The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, said: “The awards are a fantastic event for the town and beyond. They reward not only the winners but all those who work in every area of hospitality, recognising the effort and commitment they make on a daily basis.”

The full list of winners:

Waiter/Waitress of the Year sponsored by Sunlight Textile Services
Magda Krawczyk, Cedar Court Hotel and Brasserie

Bar Person of the Year sponsored by Harrogate Spa Water
Gareth Vowles, Banyan Bar

Best Achievement of the Year sponsored by ‘2inspire’
Harrogate Theatre

Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Harrogate College
Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant

Chef of the Year sponsored by Sykes House Farm
Tom van Zeller, Van Zellers Restaurant

Unsung Hero of the Year sponsored by Destination Harrogate
Derick England, Harrogate Theatre

Team of the Year sponsored by Platinum Print
Harrogate at Christmas Group

Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Leeds Bradford International Airport
Pat Grant, The Victoria Restaurant

Harrogate Ambassador of the Year sponsored by Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce
Caroline Bayliss

Have Your Say 

Be the first to comment on this article!

Login to submit a comment