Hotel Cateys 2021 winners revealed

The winners of the 2021 Hotel Cateys were revealed this evening, which saw outgoing Pride of Britain Hotels chief executive Peter Hancock awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award in a glittering ceremony at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.

Conference chair, award ceremony host, qualified toastmaster, professional after-dinner speaker, ‘reasonably priced raconteur', columnist for The Caterer and the ‘voice of God' including at the Cateys – Hancock has spent over 40 years in the hospitality industry, including 21 years as chief executive of the Pride of Britain Hotels marketing consortium.

His support and involvement in the industry has extended far beyond his day job – he is also a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, the Tourism Society, HOSPA and the Academy of Food & Wine Service; an honorary Master Innholder and St Julian Scholar; and an ambassador for the Gold Service Scholarship young hospitality professionals competition.

This month sees him step down from the role he has held for more than 20 years, but as is so often the case in hospitality, retirement doesn't mean he's stepping away from the sector and he plans to do more speaking and event hosting and continue his involvement with various industry bodies.

The Extra Mile Award went to John Angus, managing director of Switch Hospitality, who created a new standard for hotels offering accommodation for vulnerable families in Birmingham.

Other individuals to be recognised during the evening included KK Prabakaran, executive head housekeeper at Dukes London, who won Housekeeper of the Year; and Rosie Wilkins of the Torridon in Wester Ross, who was awarded Front of House Manager of the Year.

The hotel chef of the year awards went to Hrishikesh Desai, executive chef at the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House in Cumbria (fewer than 250 covers); Olivier Ruiz, executive head chef at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (more than 250 covers); and Jean-Philippe Blondet, executive chef at the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester in London (Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year).

Meanwhile, Red Carnation Hotels walked away with HR Team of the Year and the Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire scooped Front of House Team of the Year.

2021 Hotel Catey winners

Best Use of Technology Award
Nobu Hotel London, Portman Square

Concierge of the Year
Sarah Gaskin, the Headland hotel, Cornwall

Food and Beverage Manager of the Year
Sharon McArthur, the Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, London

HR Team of the Year Red Carnation Hotels

Front of House Manager of the Year
Rosie Wilkins, the Torridon, Wester Ross

Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year
The Bridge and the Vicarage, Flat Cap Hotels, Cheshire

Front of House Team of the Year Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire

Hotel Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers)
Hrishikesh Desai, Gilpin, Cumbria

Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year
Jean-Philippe Blondet, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, London

Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers)
Olivier Ruiz, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year
Emma Lonie, the Balmoral, Edinburgh

Housekeeper of the Year KK Prabakaran, Dukes London

Revenue Manager of the Year Jane Bateup, the Grand Brighton and Richmond Hill hotels

HR Manager of the Year
Caroline Harrison, Luxury Family Hotels

Spa Professional of the Year
Amanda Hardy, Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall, County Durham

Sustainable Hotel of the Year
Raithwaite Sandsend

The 2021 Hotelier of the Year
Daniel Pedreschi, PPHE Hotel Group

Extra Mile Award
John Angus, Switch Hospitality Management

Outstanding Contribution Award
Peter Hancock, Pride of Britain Hotels

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