Meet the stars of York hospitality! Awards showcase the best and brightest

The best and brightest in York’s hospitality industry were showcased at a glamorous event last night.

The second annual HAY Hospitality Awards took place last night (Thursday), shining a well-deserved spotlight on those unsung heroes who ensure everyone gets a warm York welcome.

Organised by Hospitality Association York and uniting the city’s leading hotels, the HAY Awards celebrate the individuals at the heart of the industry.

Across 12 categories, 40 finalists were recognised, from back-of-house to front-of-house, kitchen to reception.

The awards event, hosted by York Town Crier Ben Fry, revealed the extraordinary story behind every finalist that shows just how life-changing a career in hospitality can be.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award, decided via a public vote on YorkMix, was Anna Czarnik, the food and beverage assistant of Middletons.

From saving lives to shaping careers, all the finalists had made a huge difference. And this year’s group were again truly inclusive, featuring people of all ages and nationalities.

A highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award. It featured seven finalists, as judges felt each individual deserved recognition.

Together they represented an incredible 228 years of service to the industry. Carolynn Forster from The Milner York was crowned the overall winner, but all the finalists took to the stage for a well-deserved round of applause in honour of their inspiring commitment to hospitality.

Chair of the Hospitality Association, and General Manager at Elmbank York, Stefan Micevski, said: “The HAY Hospitality Awards are now firmly part of York’s calendar, and it’s fantastic to come together again to celebrate the incredible people who make our industry thrive.

“Every finalist represents the dedication and passion that creates unforgettable experiences for our guests and keeps York’s hospitality sector vibrant.

“We’re grateful to our sponsors for their support in making tonight possible, and we look forward to seeing the awards continue to grow year after year.”