It was a night when the spotlight turned on individuals and businesses in the hospitality sector who made a difference during the last 18 difficult months.

And, as reported on Dorset Biz News, it turned into a triumph for Dorset’s hospitality heroes.

The winners of four of the five categories at the one-off ‘Hospitality Heroes’ awards, held by the Institute of Hospitality Southern Branch, came from the county.

They were:

• Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth (Community effort/engagement)
• Chef’s Mate (Work-related achievement)
• Peter Baerwinkel, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bournemouth (Leadership)
• Andy Lennox, Wonky Table Group (Most innovative response to the pandemic)

More than 60 hospitality professionals attended the ceremony, held at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst.

Tim Seward, Chair, Institute of Hospitality Southern Branch, said: “These awards are testimony to how people have supported, trained and cared for each other.

“Every hospitality business in the area should be extremely proud of what they have achieved during some challenging times.”

The winners and runners-up have all joined the Institute of Hospitality’s ‘I’m in’ campaign (#imin).

Full results, including sponsors, can be found by clicking here.

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Dorset Biz News Gallery – Pictures by Paul Collins/PC Visuals

The Lapstone team.

Saxophonist Graeme Budd.

The Holiday Inn, Bournemouth, team with award-winner Peter Baerwinkel.

Tim Seward and Michael Clitheroe.

Andy Lennox.

Rob Radwell, James Doughty-Box, Rosie Radwell and David Bailey.

Tim Seward with Nanzy Sebata and Fran Khumalo.

David Bailey is served a drink from the BH1 gin bar.

Chris Lewis.

Juliet Pull and Adam Terpening.

Caroline Benjamin and Sarah Berry.

Tim Seward, Chair, Institute of Hospitality Southern Branch.