Finalists Announced for the 2026 Hospitality Awards

The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association Hospitality Awards returns for its 7th year in 2026, celebrating the outstanding dedication and talent that drives the local hospitality sector. 

With Radio Taxis continuing as headline sponsor, this year’s awards received an impressive 145 nominations, highlighting the remarkable contributions individuals and teams make to their workplaces and the wider industry. From this strong field, 27 finalists have been selected and will participate in sponsor interviews as part of the judging process. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony taking place at the end of February.

Finalists include:

Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award – sponsored by Headline Sponsor, Radio Taxis

• Adrian Momot, Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl
• Charlotte Gibson, Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl
• Leanne Bannister, Chilworth Manor Hotel

Manager of the Year Award – sponsored by Harvest Fine Food

• Angela Willmore, Chilworth Manor Hotel
• Iwona  Kowalczyk, Novotel
• Jaime Custodio, Novotel

Rising Star of the Year Award – sponsored by Yuzu Training

• Ardiola Qamo, room2
• Olena Iastremska, Chilworth Manor Hotel
• Tilly McCracken, New Place Hotel

Sales and Revenue of the Year Award – sponsored by AIEA

• Commercial Team, Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl
• Jacinta Wingate, New Place Hotel
• Sarah Banks, Leonardo Hotels Southampton

Chef of the Year Award – sponsored by Chefs and Events Staffing

• Andrew Gault, voco Southampton
• Russell Haydon, Leonardo Hotel Southampton
• Stephane Gerard, voco Fareham – Solent

Operational Excellence of the Year Award – sponsored by The Podcast Lady

• C&B Team, Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl
• Food & Beverage Team, voco Fareham – Solent
• The Crew at Moxy Southampton

Top Team of the Year Award – sponsored by Fire Group

• Concierge Team, Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel
• Food & Beverage Team, New Place Hotel
• The voco Southampton Team

Community Award – sponsored by SWJ Events

• Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl
• Holiday Inn Southampton Eastleigh M3 J13
• room2

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Jane Standing, Holiday Inn Southampton Eastleigh M3 J13
• Jon Fisher, New Place Hotel
• Sylvia Owens, Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel

The winner of each category will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 27th February 2026.