The Restaurant Association has announced the nominees for its 2024 Gala Dinner and Awards, a prestigious annual event that highlights the finest contributions to the culinary and hospitality industries. Set to take place on Monday, 2 December, at the renowned Savoy Hotel in London, the Gala Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate exceptional achievements across various categories while fostering emerging talent.
This year’s event, supported by global sponsors including Neft Vodka, Fabergè, Champagne Piaf, Visit Malta, and Nth Degree, promises an unforgettable evening. The occasion will honour distinguished industry leaders and also shine a light on the future of hospitality through its fundraising efforts. Proceeds will benefit the World Young Chef Young Waiter Education Foundation and the Young Mixologist competition, empowering the next generation of culinary professionals.
The 2024 awards categories and nominees are:
Chef of the Year Award
- Max Coen, Dorian
- Alex Dilling, Hotel Café Royal
- Thomas Straker, Strakers
- Brett Graham, The Ledbury
This award celebrates culinary leaders who demonstrate exceptional creativity and influence.
Service Excellence Award
- Melissa Fergus, Raffles London
- Matthew Mawtus, Hide
- Rob Rose, Core by Clare Smyth
- Alessandro Fasoli, The Woodspean
Recognising professionals committed to providing outstanding service and enhancing the dining experience.
Hospitality Innovator Award
- Douglas McMaster, Silo
- Jesse Burges & Will Warr, Top Jaw
- Ben Lebus, Mob Kitchen
- Roger Wade, Boxpark
Highlighting individuals who are redefining hospitality through innovation and creativity.
Hotel Bar Award
- The Brooklands Bar, The Peninsula
- Scarfes Bar, Rosewood London
- The Nickel Bar, The Ned
- Vesper Bar, The Dorchester
Celebrating bars that blend atmosphere, innovation, and exemplary service.
Best Private Dining Room Award
- Mauro’s Table, Raffles London
- Hide & Seek, Hide
- Zen Garden, Ginza St James’s
- Prince of Wales, Quaglino’s
Recognising intimate dining venues with unique ambience and personalised service.
Rising Star Award
- Sharon Cararara, Beaufort Bar, The Savoy
- Angele Grinda, Bar Américain, Brasserie Zédel
- James Sharp, Hash Hut
- Joshua Castle, Noble Rot
Honouring emerging talent making a mark in the hospitality industry.
Robert Walton MBE, President of the Restaurant Association, stated, “These awards are a celebration of the very best in our industry. It is an honour to recognise those who are shaping the future of hospitality. The 2024 Gala will be an unforgettable night, filled with remarkable talent and generosity as we also focus on supporting the next generation of culinary and service professionals.”
HAL.news looks forward to sharing all the highlights from the evening, celebrating the moments and winners of this landmark event taking place on 2 December at The Savoy.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
