Hospitality Awards UK will hold its fourth edition at The Waldorf Hilton London on Monday 9 November, an invitation-only black-tie gala recognising the chefs, bartenders, hoteliers, entrepreneurs, suppliers and guest-facing teams whose work shapes the UK hospitality experience.
Organised by UK Confederation by CONFASSOCIAZIONI, Hospitality Awards UK has strong Italian roots. This year it is broadening its focus to recognise people and businesses across the wider UK hospitality sector, while creating an occasion for professional recognition, connection and inspiration.
The widening is clear in the categories. Last year’s edition, held on 10 November 2025 during the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World and organised with APCI UK, presented six awards, among them Best Chef, Best Young Chef and Best Hotel General Manager. The 2026 programme runs to 15: Chef, Pizza Chef, Pastry Chef, Sommelier and Bar & Beverage Professional of the Year; Hospitality Leader of the Year, the Hospitality Visionary Award, Guest Experience Professional of the Year and Rising Star of the Year; Restaurant, Hotel, Pub & Bar and Bakery of the Year; Hospitality Content Creator of the Year; and a Lifetime Achievement Award recognising individuals who have created a lasting legacy in UK hospitality.
Stefano Potortì, President of UK Confederation, is co-organising the 2026 edition with Simone Remoli and Gaetano Bauso, Vice Presidents of UK Confederation, supported by the wider organising team, including Melissa De Vita.
“Behind every memorable stay or meal is a team whose skill and commitment make it possible. These Awards recognise that work across the UK, including the people who rarely receive public recognition. We also want the evening to build lasting connections within the industry and support colleagues facing difficult times through Hospitality Action.”
Stefano Potortì, President, UK Confederation, and Co-organiser, Hospitality Awards UK
The seven-strong jury spans bars, luxury hotels, culinary craft, pizza, hospitality recruitment and communication. It brings together Salvatore Calabrese, the internationally recognised bar professional known as “The Maestro”; Luca Virgilio, listed by the Awards as Area General Manager and Global Director of Residences at The Dorchester; chef and food communicator Danilo Cortellini; Michele Pascarella, listed as Global Pizza Maker of the Year 2023; Salvatore Fernandez, listed as a global luxury hospitality recruitment expert; and hospitality communicators Angelo Coassin and Alice Sampo.
Under the published judging framework, jurors act in a personal capacity, nominate candidates against category guidance and apply eligibility and conflict-of-interest checks, and sponsorship does not determine any award.
The 2026 Platinum Partners are illy, Sei Bellissimi, The Waldorf Hilton London, San Felice, with its Bell’Aja and Campogiovanni estate brands, and Carnevale, with Gold and Silver Partners drawn from hospitality operators, food and drink, travel, education, communications, design, professional services and live events. The Awards’ website lists the Consulate General of Italy in London, ENIT and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in London as patrons.
The evening will also support Hospitality Action, which helps hospitality workers and their families through difficult times, with a silent auction and a donation QR code on the night.
The gala begins with a reception at 7pm, followed by the official opening and institutional addresses, dinner and the awards ceremony. Attendance is strictly by invitation.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
