YORKS HOSPITALITY STARS RECOGNISED AT THE 2026 HAY AWARDS
Last night, the third annual HAY Hospitality Awards brought together York’s hospitality community at the Radisson Hotel York.
With 12 categories, 37 finalists were recognised for their contribution to the industry.
There’s a reason the HAY Awards have become one of the biggest nights in York’s hospitality calendar. They celebrate the people behind the businesses, but it’s the people in the room who make the night what it is – coming together to champion their colleagues, fly the flag for their teams and celebrate an industry they’re proud to be part of.
Across the nominations, the same words appeared time and again: passion, dedication, resilience, reliability and professionalism. The finalists come from an extraordinary range of backgrounds, ages and experience, but these qualities unite them and define the very best of hospitality. Their nominations tell stories of people stepping up in emergencies, putting colleagues and guests first, and continuing to give their best despite serious illness or injury. For many, going the extra mile simply comes naturally.
That sense of community is at the heart of the HAY Awards too. While individuals are firmly in the spotlight, the event is only possible because of the many external partners who come together to make it happen. Many of these relationships have grown far beyond business; they are people considered friends, who are there when the pressure is on and who make it all the more special to have them alongside HAY for the good times too.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Helen Curzon of Delta by Marriott York, recognising more than 30 years of putting people first. Praised by judges for her hands-on leadership, dedication to helping others grow and ability to find solutions in challenging situations, Helen was described as someone who leads from the front and embodies the true meaning of hospitality.
Hospitality also has a remarkable way of coming together for the greater good. This year, HAY chose Hoping Street York Kitchen as its charity partner, aiming to raise enough to fund two weekly community kitchens. In less than two hours, attendees raised more than £1,200! Enough to fund four kitchens, demonstrating the generosity and community spirit of the night.
Kai Ikulayo, Chair of the Hospitality Association and General Manager at Novotel York, said: “The HAY Awards are about something very simple but incredibly important: celebrating people. We spend so much of our working lives making sure other people have a great time, and last night was our chance to celebrate the people who make that possible. From the people behind the scenes to those welcoming guests, solving problems and supporting their colleagues, every role matters. We’re incredibly proud of the talent, commitment and passion within York’s hospitality community, and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to recognise so many of those people and show them just how valued they are.”
HAY Hospitality Award Winners 2025:
Back of House Hero - Sponsored by York Bid
Benjamin Henry – Hilton York
Star Behind the Bar - Sponsored by Bidfood
Jason Curran – Hilton York
People’s Choice Award - Sponsored by YorkMix
Valentina Semeraro – Radisson York
Rising Star - Sponsored by Indeed Flex
Charlotte Hansell – Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Hospitality Apprentice - Sponsored by York College
Chris Burton – Middletons Hotel
Sparkle award - Sponsored by Adrian Salamon The Yorkshire Magician
Fiona McCartney – The Grand, York
Serving Superstar - Sponsored by York Gin
Edina Illes – Hotel Indigo
Hospitality Team of the Year - Sponsored by Betton Wines
People Team – The Milner York
Warm Welcome Award - Sponsored by City Cruises
Rekha Mamgain – Novotel York Centre
Lifetime Achievement - Sponsored by Perfect Venue Dressing
Helen Curzon – Delta by Marriott York
Most Promising Chef - Sponsored by York St John University
Sofiia Hordiienko – Middlethorpe Hall
Hospitality Hero - Sponsored by Little Vikings
Andrew Woodhouse – Malmaison York