Claridge’s has been named Hotel of the Year and The Devonshire Pub & Bar of the Year at the fourth Hospitality Awards UK, held at The Waldorf Hilton in London on Monday 9 November. Fifteen awards recognised chefs, bartenders, guest-facing and hotel professionals, alongside the businesses and individuals who have contributed to the industry’s growth.
The awards are organised by UK Confederation, whose 2026 edition was led by its President, Stefano Potortì, with Vice Presidents Gaetano Bauso and Simone Remoli, and organisational support from Melissa De Vita. This year’s gala at The Waldorf Hilton was held in support of Hospitality Action, which supports people who work, or have worked, in hospitality and their families through challenging circumstances.
“Hospitality is built on the work of people who know how to make others feel welcome, lead a team and turn an idea into a memorable experience”
Stefano Potortì, President, UK Confederation
Following a reception, host Mikee Introna guided guests through the gala dinner and awards ceremony. Opening remarks came from Rossella Gentile, Acting Consul at the Consulate General of Italy in London, the organisers and Jez Gibson, Marketing and Operations Director at Hospitality Action. The event was held under the patronage of the Consulate General of Italy in London, the Italian Cultural Institute in London and ENIT.
“This fourth edition reflects the Awards’ broader focus on UK hospitality, while staying rooted in our Italian origins. Bringing people from across the sector together gives us the opportunity to recognise the contribution each makes and build connections that can continue beyond the evening”
Gaetano Bauso, Vice President, UK Confederation
The winners, with selected presenters from event partners and organisers, were:
- Chef Restaurateur of the Year: Adam Byatt (presented by Luigi Carnevale, C. Carnevale Ltd)
- Pastry Chef of the Year: Francesco Genovese (presented by Marcello Canetti, Managing Director of illy caffè UK)
- Hospitality Visionary Award: Tony Matharu (presented by Danilo Pozone, Global Brand Manager of Sei Bellissimi)
- Sommelier of the Year: Emma Denney (presented by Achille Di Carlo, CEO of San Felice)
- Guest Experience Professional of the Year: Matthew Jackson (presented by Greg Crawford, General Manager of The Waldorf Hilton)
- Hospitality Content Creator of the Year: Francesco Mattana (presented by Stefano Potortì)
- Pub & Bar of the Year: The Devonshire
- Bar & Beverage Professional of the Year: Giorgio Bargiani
- Hospitality Leader of the Year: Sandeep Bhalla
- Hotel of the Year: Claridge’s
- Bakery of the Year: Bread Ahead (presented by Simone Remoli, Vice President of UK Confederation and CEO of Remoli Group and Meat & Social Group)
- Pizza Chef of the Year: Silvestro Morlando (presented by Marco Fuso, pizza consultant and founder of MFP Pizza Flour)
- Rising Star of the Year: Stefano Di Giosia (presented by Julia Bile and Henssy Sanchez, Key Account Managers at Catererglobal)
- Chef of the Year: Gaetano Farucci (presented by Gaetano Bauso, Vice President of UK Confederation and Bauso Brothers Group)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Duncan Palmer
Nominations were drawn from an independent jury comprising Salvatore Calabrese, Luca Virgilio, Danilo Cortellini, Michele Pascarella, Salvatore Fernandez, Angelo Coassin and Alice Sampo.
“Celebrating outstanding work also gives the next generation real examples of passion, professionalism and guest care”
Simone Remoli, Vice President, UK Confederation
The evening also raised support for Hospitality Action through a silent auction with online bidding, allowing people beyond the room to contribute.
Platinum Partners for the 2026 edition were C. Carnevale Ltd, illy, Sei Bellissimi, San Felice with its Campogiovanni and Bell’Aja brands, and The Waldorf Hilton London. Further details of the awards are available from Hospitality Awards UK, which is organised by UK Confederation by CONFASSOCIAZIONI.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
