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The dedication and talent that drives Southampton's vibrant hospitality sector was celebrated at the city's 2025 Hospitality Awards. A glitzy event, organised by the Southampton Regioin Hoteliers Association and presented by The Podcast Lady and presenter of The So SO Show, Zoe Hanson, took place at Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl. It brought together over 150 hospitality professionals.
Nine winners were announced from a pool of exceptional finalists across various categories. (Image: Dave Dodge) READ MORE: Influential figure in the city's music scene to step down after 25 years The winners were: Community Award: Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl Sales & Revenue of the Year: Sarah Banks from Leonardo Hotels Southampton Chef of the Year: Simon Hartnett from New Place Hotel Rising Star of the Year: Ellie Harding from Southampton Harbour Hotel Operational Excellence of the Year: Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27, Jct 7 Team Top Team of the Year: New Place Southampton Maintenance Team Manager of the Year: Iwona Kowalczyk from Novotel & ibis Southampton Lifetime Achievement Award: Jon Eggett from Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh Outstanding Achievement Award: Carly Jackson from Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh (Image: Dave Dodge) 113 nominations were collected over a six week period in the autumn, with members of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association putting forward their colleagues, managers, and establishments. Mario Martinisi, Chair of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association said: "113 nominations shows the incredible dedication within our hospitality community.
These awards aren't just about winners; they're a testament to the value our peers, employees, and employers place on every nominee. "The fact that our sponsors faced such a difficult decision in choosing winners from the finalists, truly showcases the amazing talent and high standards within our region's hospitality sector. "By celebrating these achievements, we're shining a light on the rewarding careers hospitality offers, inspiring the next generation to join our vibrant industry.
Congratulations to the winners, finalists and those nominated!" (Image: Dave Dodge) The not-for-profit awards raised £3,590 for food redistribution charity FareShare Southern Central. Twenty hospitality students from Eastleigh College gained invaluable hands-on experience at the event by supporting the kitchen and front-of-house teams, guided by the Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl staff and college lecturers..
