Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards 2010

The Winners

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

Magda Krawczyk - Cedar Court Hotel and Brasserie

A good mix of nominations submitted by guests, colleagues and management alike all had one common theme and that was how friendly, cheerful and helpful Magda is, and that she is ‘never’ without a smile.

Nomination forms returned included:

“An extremely hard working and dedicated individual who offers great customer service in an efficient and professional manner.”

“Magda has excellent customer service skills and went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure she met and even exceeded our expectations."

Bar Person of the Year - sponsored by Harrogate Spa Water

Gareth Vowles - Banyan Bar

It was a close run affair when Gareth was pipped at the post in last year’s awards and the judges were not surprised to see a strong entry for him again this year. It is difficult to sum up in just a few words quite what everyone has said about this cheeky chappy who only ever gives service with a smile. Aside from words including, professional, passionate, friendly, entertaining, and the perfect host.

The nominations also added:

“He goes out of his way to ensure every customer has a fantastic experience.”

“He has the charisma to turn even your ‘worst day’ into the ‘best evening’ you’ve ever had!”

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

Harrogate Theatre

From a theatre at risk of closure only a few years ago, Harrogate Theatre has truly risen from the depths to record their most successful year in its 110 year history. Now attracting people from outside the district in large numbers with a very diverse range of quality entertainment, the theatre has gone from strength to strength and has recently posted record audience numbers.

Amongst comments that impressed this year’s judging panel;

“It’s growing reputation as a quality venue at the heart of our community”

Newcomer of the Year - sponsored by Harrogate College

Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant

If you have not yet been lucky enough to visit the new Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant in Harrogate, you are missing out on a unique experience to dine in a most stunning environment. It has been sympathetically and beautifully restored with a £2million investment making it a Chinese restaurant like non you have seen before.

Nominations received quoted:

“Stunning; attention to detail and amazing quality; and a team who really know the meaning of quality service.”

Chef of the Year - sponsored by Sykes House Farm

Tom van Zeller - Van Zellers Restaurant

One of Yorkshire's brightest young chefs, Tom Van Zellar is really starting to make a name for himself. His genuine passion for fine food has led him to create some simply outstanding dishes in his recently opened Harrogate restaurant. Tom has an amazing ability to take some of Yorkshire’s finest ingredients and turn them into truly special dishes which deliver both great depth in flavour and at the same time hidden subtleties not found elsewhere in the area.

One nomination form read:

“If Tom carries on as he’s going, his aspiration for a Michelin Star may well be rewarded sooner rather than later, there’s no question he’s helping to put Harrogate on every food lovers map!”

Unsung Hero of the Year - Sponsored by Destination Harrogate

Derick England - Harrogate Theatre

Derick works as a volunteer at Harrogate Theatre assisting in selling merchandise, and as an usher at the busiest times, however not only does Derick excelle in all he does, but 2009 saw him celebrate doing this fantastic voluntary work for the Theatre for 25 years making Derick a true unsung hero.

An opening line of one of the nominations read:

“As much a part of the panto experience as the panto Dame on stage!”

Team of the Year - sponsored by Platinum Print

Harrogate at Christmas Group

Engendering a team spirit amongst individuals, businesses, charities, associations and the local council, the Harrogate at Christmas Group is a fantastic example of teamwork at a voluntary level for the benefit of all in Harrogate. The formation of this new group has secured delivery of this important feature to the town’s visitor attraction enhancing previous light displays by more than 50% which has received widespread appreciation and recognition and helped bring a number of elements of the community together.

Outstanding Customer Service – sponsored by Leeds Bradford Int. Airport

Pat Grant - The Victoria Restaurant

When the judges looked at the nominations for Pat Grant they didn’t need much persuading to shortlist her as most of them knew who she was!; unsurprising when you consider a lifetimes work devoted to the hospitality industry. Pat has worked in restaurants and pubs throughout the area for over 40 years now and even though officially retired, she still can’t help doing a few shifts still today at the Victoria at Cattal. Many comments were received about Pat’s enthusiasm, commitment, attention to detail, her most wonderful smile, and how she has inspired others in the industry, and above all about her being a true credit to the business of hospitality.

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

Caroline Bayliss, Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate Area Tourism Partnership

Caroline is Vice-Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales & Harrogate Area Tourism Partnership; on the council of the north of England Horticultural Society; the committee for the Harrogate in Bloom group, and she also chairs a promotional group linking all the tourism and floral groups together to promote Harrogate as the floral destination of the north.

Caroline quite simply lives and loves the world of tourism and her nominator quoted;

“She works her socks off to promote Harrogate and all that is great about it!”

Under the section of ‘Place of Work’ on the voting form for Caroline Bayliss’ nomination, it simply said;

“everywhere!”