UK’s best apprentices recognised at Purple Umbrella Awards!!
More than 45 apprentices were recognised for their commitment to the hospitality industry at the prestigious Purple Umbrella awards held at the Savoy Hotel in London last night.
Hosted by Umbrella Training, awards were presented to talented chefs, staff, supervisors and managers for their commitment to lifelong learning and their achievements over the past 12–18 months.
The Pig Hotels were the big winners of the night, taking home three awards as the industry came together to celebrate apprentices from across the hotel, restaurant and foodservice sectors.
Winners from The Pig included Rosie Downing, a commis chef level two apprentice at The Pig at Combe, Aleksandra Ostafinska a junior sous chef from The Pig at Harlyn Bay, and Chloe Blanks, waitress at The Pig at Bridge Place.
Mark Lewis, chief executive at Hospitality Action, received the Special Award for his contribution to supporting the industry throughout the pandemic period and beyond.
Other award winners included Selven Armoogum who won the Alumni Award for his role as operations manager apprentice at the Dorset Square Hotel, and Bogdan Rotaru, assistant front of house manager at PPHE Hotel Group, who won the Best Level 4 prize.
The event was hosted by Dave Berry, and featured Lorraine Copes as a keynote speaker from Be Inclusive Hosptiality.
“This year has been challenging for people on so many levels. There are many apprentices, up and down the country, who have faced an incredibly unsettling and difficult period.
“We are unbelievably proud of each and every one of them for not only showing the drive, determination, and courage, to continue learning throughout this period, but, the fact that they have by been an inspiration to the rest of the sector for showcasing some incredible innovation and collaboration in their establishments.
“We would like to congratulate them all and wish them every success in the future careers.”
The full list of winners is as follows:
Selven Armoogum
Dorset Square Hotel, Firmdale
Alumni Award
Chloe Blanks
Home Grown Hotels, The Pig at Bridge Place
Best Level 2 Award
Rosie Downing
The Pig at Combe
Best Chef Level 2 Award
Nick Laws
Fowey Hall Hotel, Luxury Family Hotels
Best Level 3 Award
Aleksandra Ostafinska
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
Best Chef Level 3 Award
Bogdan Rotaru
PPHE Hotel Group
Best Level 4 Award
Scott Robson
Dorchester Collection Academy
Best Level 5 Award
Victoria Tweddell
PPHE Hotel Group
Non Umbrella
Mark Lewis
Hospitality Action
Special Award
Mackenzie Forster
The Goring
Purple Umbrella Award, Promoting Hospitality Careers
Michael Peluso
The Savoy
Purple Umbrella Award, Hospitality Passion
Nick Laws
Fowey Hall Hotel, Luxury Family Hotels
Purple Umbrella Award, Hospitality Resilience
Emma Mackey
Red Carnation Hotels
Purple Umbrella Award Leader in Diversity & Inclusion in Hospitality
Jodie Butcher
Shepherd Neame
Purple Umbrella Award, Continuous Learning in Hospitality
Brandon Parker
The Fish Hotel, Farncombe Estate
Purple Umbrella Award, Hospitality Dedication
The awards were judged by an independent panel of experts from across the sector.