28th IoH Awards celebrate NI hospitality superstars

The red carpet was rolled out for Northern Ireland’s finest in hospitality last Friday, as over 350 industry professionals gathered at the luxurious Culloden Estate and Spa for the 28th Annual Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism.

The glittering ceremony honoured 18 outstanding individuals and teams, recognising their exceptional dedication, leadership, and excellence across the vibrant hospitality landscape.

The evening kicked off in style with a curated drinks reception, courtesy of Mad March Hare Poitín, Boatyard Double Gin, London Essence, and Peroni, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of celebration, connection, and inspiration.

Returning to host the event was the ever-charismatic Pamela Ballantine, while Aaron Logan FIH, Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality NI, officially opened proceedings with a powerful message: “We are here to celebrate excellence, to honour dedication, and to remind ourselves of the extraordinary spirit that defines hospitality in Northern Ireland. Yes, the challenges are real – but tonight, it’s all about the people who make this industry thrive.”

Headline sponsor Linencare, represented by Managing Director Jim Creaney, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to support these awards for the third consecutive year. It’s the collaboration and dedication of our people that drives this industry forward, and tonight we celebrate each and every finalist and winner for their invaluable contributions.”

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner supported by K&G McAtamney with wine pairings from Pattison & Co, before the spotlight turned to the awards themselves. The coveted Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award, sponsored by Aspire Airport Lounges, was presented to Mark Walker, recently retired General Manager of Hilton Belfast, in recognition of his decades-long impact on the industry.

As the formalities drew to a close, Jo Petit and The Dream Band lit up the dance floor, bringing a high-energy finale to a night that truly celebrated the heartbeat of hospitality in Northern Ireland.

2025 Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism – Winners:

• Outstanding Contribution to the Industry (Aspire Airport Lounges) – Mark Walker, Hilton Belfast

• Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Nespresso Professional) – Rebecca Sterrett, voco Hotel Belfast

• Bar Manager of the Year (Diageo) – Conor Rodgers, The Merchant Hotel

• Chef of the Year (Henderson Foodservice) – Ryan Finnegan, Great Jones Newcastle

• Coffee Shop/Café Manager of the Year (Johnsons) – Anna Monteith, South Prom Brew Bar

• Commercial Manager of the Year (SHR Group – Access Hospitality) – James Joyce, Haymarket Belfast

• Contract Services Manager of the Year (ECOLAB) – Kyle Henderson, Mount Charles Group (Spirit AeroSystems)

• Front of House Manager of the Year (Enva) – Rebecca Sterret, voco Hotel Belfast

• General Manager of the Future (Tourism Northern Ireland) – Matthew O’Neill, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat

• Hotelier of the Year (Galgorm Group) – Ruairi McLaughlin, voco Hotel Belfast

• Hospitality Management Team of the Year (Britvic Ireland) – voco Hotel Belfast

• Housekeeping Manager of the Year (Linencare) – Alla Pahomova, Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre

• Lecturer of the Year (Cadre Coffee) – Thomas Turley, South Eastern Regional College

• Operational Manager of the Year (Mad March Hare) – Michael Campbell, Culloden Estate and Spa

• People Development Award (Room Price Genie) – Andrew McWhirter, Amelia Hall

• Student Management Potential Award (Irwin’s) – Adam Graham, Ulster University

• Supplier of the Year (GMW Electrical) – Ciaran Shannon, Boatyard Distillery

• Unsung Hero of the Year (Mount Charles Group) – Kathleen Kennedy, Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport