Stars from Bristol’s hospitality industry have been honoured in a glittering gala hosted by the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA). The third annual Night Of The Stars spectacular has been hailed the biggest and best yet.

More than 330 guests descended on the Marriott City Centre to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in their work to support the hospitality sector in the city, which makes a significant contribution to the local economy.

The charity Children’s Hospice South West was also a winner on the night, as a raffle and some games generated nearly £1,800 to support its vital work in providing respite and short breaks, emergency care, palliative care and end-of-life care at three hospices in the region.

The evening began with an address from BHA Chair, Raphael Herzog, who said: “Hospitality is all about people, and about how hard we work and how committed we are.

“Tonight, it’s a great pleasure to reward and recognise people who have worked so hard in the city, having a great impact in their hotels.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners and everyone else who was shortlisted in the various categories; you are all a credit to your hotels and to our wonderful profession.”

Mr Herzog kicked off the evening by presenting an award to John Dowling, who retired last month after more than 17 years as General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton City Centre, in recognition of the special contribution he has made to the city’s hospitality industry.

Mr Herzog said: “John is an ambassador and has been the face of hotels in Bristol for many years. He said: “I would also like to thank all the main award sponsors, without whom we would not be able to hold this celebration; Afonwen, the BID team, Ashton gate, YTL, THATCHERS, PSL, Sounds commercial, Central Facilities Group, Destiny Food and Bibendum. “They had a tremendously tough job in shortlisting the award finalists, because there was such a high number of worthy nominations, and then had the even harder task of choosing the winners.

He added: “The past year has been a fantastic one for the hospitality sector, and we are so excited about the future of the Bristol Hoteliers Association. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event so special and enjoyable, and congratulations, once again, to all our worthy winners.”    

The Bristol Hoteliers Association represents 40 major hotels in the city, with around 4,000 rooms. Hotels put £200 million into the local economy.

Night of the Stars 2020 Winners:

F&B Best Innovation: De Vere Tortworth Court, outdoor cinema.

Bright Idea: The Bristol Hotel, wellbeing.

Rising Star Award: Chelsie Talbot, Hampton By Hilton Bristol City Centre

Unsung Hero: Clive Smith, De Vere Tortworth Court.

Heart of House: Uriah Smith, DoubleTree by Hilton City Centre

Team of the Year: Kitchen, Aztec West

Front of House: Kim Guinaran, Bristol Marriott Royal

Young Chef Award: Charlie Smith, De Vere Tortworth Court