The fifth annual Hotel Cateys reached their climax last week, with a gala awards dinner at the Lancaster London hotel.
Other award schemes may recognise only the hotel industry's most senior movers and shakers and its most fashionable brands. But the Hotel Cateys turn the spotlight on all layers of management and operations across all areas of the hotel sector.
Hotels are like cities in miniature. You'll find all human life in them, from all nations and from all walks of life. And, like cities, they never sleep, but provide a 24-hour backdrop to the dramas of our lives. It's the job of the hotel industry to provide the space where all these dramas can be played out and to make guests' wishes come true.
At last week's Hotel Cateys, the 750 guests present applauded all our winners for their outstanding success in maintaining operational standards, motivating their teams, driving innovation and delighting their guests.
There has never been a more challenging time to work in hospitality. Corporate spend is being scrutinised as never before; and dwindling consumer confidence is hitting discretionary spend hard, meaning that it's getting tougher by the day to turn a profit. In such testing times, it has never been more important to recognise exemplary teams and individuals.
Well done to all of our finalists, and many congratulations to all our winners.
Mark Lewis, Editor, Caterer and Hotelkeeper
For pictures from the Hotel Cateys, go to Table Talk
THE WINNERS
Front of House Manager of the Year - Joanne Alder
Front of House Team of the Year - The Cavendish
Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year - Sofitel London Heathrow
Food and Beverage Manager of the Year - Amit Jaitly
Housekeeper of the Year - Jude Gallacher
Green Hotel of the Year - Battlesteads
Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year - Mark Bevan
Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year - Chino Latino Restaurant
Spa Professional of the Year - Liz Holmes
Hotel Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers) - Adam Simmonds
Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers) - Martyn Nail
Human Resources Manager of the Year - Ros Young
Human Resources Team of the Year - Royal Garden hotel
The Extra Mile Award - Veronica Kingham
Hotelier of the Year - Stephen Carter
Outstanding Contribution to the Hotel Industry - Gordon Campbell Gray