Nina Matsunaga, chef and co-owner of The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria, has won the Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) National Chef of the Year Award 2025.
THE winners were revealed at a ceremony held at Quaglino’s in London last week.
More than 300 guests from across the industry gathered to celebrate the most inspiring talent shaping the future of the hospitality industry.
Established in 2022, the BIH Spotlight Awards aim to recognise exceptional talent from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds within the UK’s hospitality, food, and drink sectors.
Now in their fourth year, the awards continue to champion diversity, creativity, and excellence in an industry that thrives on cultural influence and innovation.
This year, a record 2,000 votes were cast across 15 categories, which included Rising Star, Wine Professional of the Year, Head Office Impact, Bar or Pub of the Year, and Brand of the Year.
Finalists were selected by an esteemed panel of 21 judges representing a cross-section of the industry.
Founded by Lorraine Copes in 2020, Be Inclusive Hospitality is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers skills development programs and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) services, while partnering with others to advance equity and inclusion across the hospitality industry.
Be Inclusive Hospitality founder & CEO Lorraine Copes, said: “These awards are the beating heart of our mission to celebrate and uplift hospitality talent across the UK.
“This year has shown just how powerful collaboration can be, from partners and sponsors to our wider community, all coming together to champion creativity, resilience, and innovation.
“We’re proud to shine a light on those making an impact today, while inspiring the next generation to shape an inclusive and thriving future for our industry.”
Matsunaga said: “It’s amazing to win Chef of the Year, but we all know that without a great team, both front of house and back of house, nothing works. Awards like this are really about everyone who makes service happen, so I want to thank every single member of my team at The Black Bull for their hard work and dedication.
“People from diverse backgrounds must be encouraged to play a bigger role in UK hospitality.
“Our food scene is truly world-class, shaped over the last 30 years by the incredible diversity found across the country. I hope it continues to flourish and inspire future generations to join this vibrant, ever-evolving industry.”
The Black Bull in Sedbergh – a dream destination for food and wine | EatNorth
Individual Awards:
Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Caterer.com
Nina Matsunaga – The Black Bull Inn, Sedbergh
Rising Star – Sponsored by Ting
Eron Mibo – Tales and Tails UK
Writer of the Year – Sponsored by Eko Brewery
Angela Zaher – Food Writer
Wine Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Decanter
Leona De Pasquale – Camellia and Vine
Beverage Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by Moët Hennessy
Sherwin Acebuche – Tarsier Southeast Asian Spirit
Head Office Impact – Sponsored by Umbrella Training Ltd
Gina Knight – Flat Iron Steak
Industry Icon of the Year – Sponsored by Be Inclusive Hospitality
Tevin Tobun – Founder of ROUTD and GV Group
Cuisine Awards:
African Food – Sponsored by The Voice
Khadim Mane – Little Baobab
Caribbean Food – Sponsored by The Voice
Nikki Whyte – Patois
East and Southeast Asian Food – Sponsored by Tarsier Spirit
Kaneda Pen – Mamapen
South Asian Food
Kanthi Thamma – The Spice Circuit
Middle Eastern Food
Jad Youssef – Lebnani Restaurant
Business Awards:
Bar/Pub of the Year – Sponsored by OpenTable
Deano Moncrieffe – Hacha Bar
Brand of the Year – Sponsored by Deliveroo
Hot ‘N’ Juicy Shrimp LDN
People’s Choice:
People’s Choice Person of the Year – Sponsored by Bibendum
Emanuele Mensah – The Connaught Bar
People’s Choice Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by OpenTable
Sham Mahabir – LIMIN SOUTHBANK
