Inaugural Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards 2009

The infectious beat of samba drummers on the steps of the magnificent Royal Hall greeted guests attending the inaugural Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards on the 1st June 2009, and set the tone for a vivacious night.

Organised by Destination Harrogate and presented by celebrities Neil Morrissey and Richard Fox, the evening was attended by nearly 350 guests to find out who would be the winners of the eight award categories.

Tourism, both business and leisure, plays a critical role in the backbone of Harrogate’s successful economy and we wanted to celebrate and reward those individuals who truly represent Harrogate as one of the country’s best destinations that visitors can experience. From the stunning parks and gardens, to the specialist boutique and antique shops; the many cafes, bars and restaurants to the visitor attractions, hotels and first class array of conferencing and exhibition facilities, Harrogate really does lead the way in business and leisure tourism.

To be able to do this however, we have to have the very best people providing their very best, day in day out, on the front line of hospitality and tourism businesses in the town, and we therefore decided to reward and congratulate these people by launching these awards.

The overwhelming response we had in the first year was quite amazing and truly showed that there was a real desire for something like this in Harrogate. From the eager support of the sponsors, to the fantastic coverage received through our media partners; the generous use of the stunning Royal Hall, and above all, the unbelievable number of nominations submitted for the 8 awards, the Hospitality & Tourism Awards have captured the town’s imagination overnight and will no doubt be a firm fixture in Harrogate’s annual events for many years to come.

The 2009 award categories and winners were:

Waiter/Waitress of the Year - sponsored by ‘Sunlight Textile Services’

Akef Awajan - The Clock Tower at Rudding Park

Bar Person of the Year - sponsored by ‘Harrogate Spa Water’

Alex Evans - Pitcher and Piano

Best Achievement of the Year - sponsored by ‘2inspire’

Jean Roberts - Head Housekeeper, Hotel du Vin

Newcomer of the Year - sponsored by Harrogate College

Edward Martin - The Crown Hotel

Chef of the Year - sponsored by 3663

Kenneth Poon - The Orchid Restaurant

Unsung Hero of the Year - Sponsored by Destination Harrogate

Mike Hine - Retired Tourism Officer

Picture below - Gilly Bentson collecting the award on behalf of Mike Hine.

Team of the Year - sponsored by Reservation Highway

Harrogate Borough Council Street Cleaning Team

Harrogate Ambassador of the Year - sponsored by Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce

Sir Thomas Ingilby - Ripley Castle Estate