Hospitality Heroes 2024
While there’s no National Hospitality Day this year, we’ve decided to keep our own NHD tradition going with the Hawksmoor Hospitality Heroes competition. And here are the winners…
Looking after our incredible teams in the UK, US and Ireland is as much of a priority as looking after you (we have a few awards to prove it). Properly celebrating their efforts, talents and achievements is all part of our commitment – cue the Hawksmoor Hospitality Hero awards.
As ever, we asked the teams at each of our restaurants to nominate colleagues they felt best embodied our values. Put simply: ‘Work hard and be nice to people’. From the nominees, winners were then selected by a panel. And, wow, was it tough to choose.
This week, we announced our winners to the team, each getting a prize and a celebration in their restaurant or location. So, without further ado, please clap, whistle and roar for our Hospitality Heroes 2024.
Michal Olszewski, assistant restaurant manager at Air Street, London
Head Waiter Leonel Correia said…
“He’s very hard-working and pushes everyone to excel every day. He should definitely win the Hospitality Hero award – if not the Nobel prize!”
Malcolm Grant, head waiter at Borough, London
Head Reservationist Amber Fallon-O’Sullivan said…
“He’s a shining light who deserves recognition for the hard work and support he gives the team. He’s a friend to everyone and an even better colleague. No matter the situation, he thrives.”
Keith Earls, chef de partie at Dublin
Senior Sous Chef Joseph Ryan said…
“An absolute pleasure to work with, Keith is genuine, calm and just bloody nice to people. Never complains and sets a great example to other team members.”
Ornela Mulla, waiter at New York
Corporate chef David Perez said…
”Just an amazing person! One of the most talented FOH teammates I have seen in a long time. Always happy, cheerful and willing to help. A++++ ”
Abbey Petts, head waiter at Edinburgh
Waitress Emma Dickson said…
“Abbey is a full Hawksmoorian: she loves the brand, the culture and is an asset to the team. I can’t think of anyone who deserves to be called a Hero more.”
Sergio Canalejo, assistant bar manager at Guildhall, London
Head Waiter Simone Naine said…
“Sergio is such an MVP. He’s constantly going above and beyond for the guests, and generally brings his best to the shift. Reliable, funny and always supportive.”
Romano Benson Serrano Salas, chef de partie at Knightsbridge, London
Waiter Nunzio Apuzzo said…
“It doesn’t matter how the shift is going, Romano is always smiling. He really does represent what it means to “work hard and be nice”.
Oscar Flores, waiter at Chicago
Bar manager Kyle Hamilton said…
An all-round champion. Chicago opening team, and has just taken to the Hawksmoor values like a fish to water. A genuine pleasure to work alongside, very excited to see where his future lies within Hawksmoor.
Helena Jane Diaz, sommelier at Liverpool
Reservations Manager Daniel Sinnott-Davis said…
“Helena lights up every shift she’s on. She’s so hard-working and embodies all of the Hawksmoor values. Liverpool are lucky to have someone like Helena.”
Ryan Morrissey, head waiter at Manchester
Waitress Issy Charman said…
“Huge shout out to Ryan! I think he embodies all of Hawksmoor’s core values. I instantly have a smile on my face when I know I’m doing a shift with him.”
Philly Dineen, sommelier at Seven Dials, London
Head Waiter Bryce Tearle said…
“She’s just incredible at all aspects of the game. All the customers say how amazing she is and no one has taught me more than her since she came in. Always brings a great energy!”
Frank Sampson, senior sous chef at Spitalfields, London
Chef de Partie Ullas Mollik said…
“The big thing with Frank is that he sees everyone as equal. He’s a very respectful person and full of passion, taking any problem and giving you an easy solution.”
Ana Santos, accounts assistant from our support team
Head of Finance Leon Grobbelaar said…
“Ana’s one of the most helpful and hard working people I have ever come across! Approachable and always willing to help us in any way she can – a true Hospitality Hero.”
Eleonora Mora, reservations manager at Wood Wharf
Head Waiter Katy Reynard said…
“To Eleonora, no job is too small (or too far from her job title) to pitch in. She’s a joy to work with and I’ve loved collaborating with her.”
And special mention must go to Cheikh Gueye, our kitchen porter at Borough, London
Assistant General Manager Piotr Jurek said…
“Cheikh is one of our unsung heroes, constantly working hard and supporting the team wherever he can. He always comes with a smile, a hello and a helping hand.”
