Belfast Night Czar Michael Stewart Honoured at Institute of Hospitality Awards

Northern Ireland’s hospitality profession came together for one of its biggest nights of the year as the 29th Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism celebrated outstanding talent from across the sector with Belfast Night Czar, Michael Stewart receiving the prestigious Outstanding Contribution Award.

Hundreds of hospitality professionals gathered at the Culloden Estate & Spa on Friday 11th September for the annual awards, which recognise the people and teams making an exceptional contribution across Northern Ireland’s hospitality, tourism and leisure
profession.

Hosted by Pamela Ballantine, the evening saw 17 awards presented, celebrating talent at every stage of a hospitality career from emerging professionals and future leaders to
experienced managers and individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the
profession.

The evening opened with a drinks reception before Aaron Logan FIH, Chairman of the
Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Region, welcomed guests and reinforced the
importance of recognising the people at the heart of hospitality.

“Recognition matters. Behind every great hotel, restaurant, bar, visitor attraction and
hospitality experience are incredible people who make it happen every single day. These
Awards are about putting those people centre stage and recognising their professionalism, passion and commitment.”

“I have spoken throughout this year about the language we use to describe hospitality.
When we elevate our speech, we elevate our standing. Hospitality is not simply an industry – it is a profession, offering rewarding, skilled and lifelong careers.”
The significance of hospitality to Northern Ireland was also reinforced during the evening through a message from First Minister Michelle O’Neill and an address from Junior Minister Bunting, recognising the sector’s contribution to the Northern Ireland economy, tourism and employment.

Linencare returned as Headline Sponsor, continuing its long-standing support for the
Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Region and its work to recognise and develop talent across the profession.

Jim Creaney, Managing Director of Linencare, addressed guests during the ceremony and reflected on the importance of supporting and celebrating the people who continue to drive hospitality forward.

The evening culminated with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award,
sponsored by Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, to Michael Stewart.

A highly respected figure within Northern Ireland hospitality, Stewart has spent decades contributing to the development of Belfast’s hospitality and night-time economy and currently serves as Belfast’s Night Czar.

His career has been characterised by entrepreneurship, creativity and a commitment to
championing hospitality and Belfast. He has also been a longstanding supporter of the
Institute of Hospitality, having joined the organisation in 2015 and served for seven years on its Northern Ireland Regional Committee.

Presenting the award, the Institute recognised not only Stewart’s career achievements but his influence, advocacy and continued commitment to advancing Northern Ireland’s hospitality profession.

Following the presentation of the 17 awards, guests celebrated into the evening with
entertainment from Prestige, bringing the 29th Awards for Professionalism to a fitting close.

Aaron Logan added: “The Awards would simply not be possible without the commitment of our sponsors and partners. Their continued investment allows us to recognise talent, support professional development and champion hospitality careers across Northern Ireland.”

“After an incredible 29th year, our attention now turns to something very special – the 30th anniversary of the Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism in 2027.”

• 2026 Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism – Winners
  • Outstanding Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Nespresso Professional – Corey McVeigh, Nando’s
  • Bar Manager of the Year sponsored by Copeland Distillery – Michael McDonald,
  Second Nature
  • Chef of the Year sponsored by Henderson Foodservice – Mark Begley, Culloden
  Estate and Spa
  • Coffee Shop/Café Manager of the Year sponsored by Johnsons – Maia White, The Ticket Bakehouse
  • Commercial Manager of the Year sponsored by Access Hospitality – Michelle Wells, Culloden Estate and Spa
  • Front of House Manager of the Year sponsored by Bunzl Rafferty Guest Amenities –Amy Coleman, The Marcus Portrush
  • General Manager of the Future Award sponsored by OpenTable – James Kenny,
  Bullitt Hotel
  • Hospitality Management Team of the Year sponsored by Britvic Ireland – Maldron Hotel Belfast City
  • Hotelier of the Year sponsored by Galgorm Group – Cormac Fadden, Culloden
  Estate and Spa
  • Housekeeping Manager of the Year sponsored by Linencare – Edibela Prazeres,
  Hampton by Hilton Belfast City Centre
  • Lecturer of the Year sponsored by United Wines – Friedrich Machala, South Eastern Regional College
  • Operational Manager of the Year sponsored by Winterhalter – Chantel Cruse,
  Holiday Inn Express Belfast City
  • People Development Edward sponsored by Edward Dillon – Jacqueline Canning, Andras Hotels
  • Student Management Potentialsponsored by iCQ Awards and People 1st – Grace
  Dugan, South Eastern Regional College
  • Supply Chain Account Manager of the Year sponsored by Alkimii – Katie McLean, Linencare
  • Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Irwin’s – Andrew McCord, Aramark UK
  Government Services
  • Outstanding Contribution sponsored by Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality – Michael
  Stewart