The chefs, front-of-house staff and unsung heroes helping shape the future of Bristol’s hotel sector will be recognised next week when the first ‘Night of the Stars’ awards take place.
The inaugural awards staged by the Bristol Hoteliers Association will celebrate and recognise the efforts of all those who work in the city’s hotels.
They follow the re-launch of the association, which focuses on promoting and protecting the interests of hotels in and around Bristol. 
The awards take place next Thursday at the recently opened Harbour Hotel with seven categories up for grabs.
Association chairman Mark Payne, pictured, said: “Whether it’s the high-end or budget venue, collectively all the hotels located in greater Bristol play a major role in the prosperity of the city and surrounding area.
“They employ thousands of people, use many local suppliers and act as a shop window when people and businesses are looking for somewhere to stay or host an event. They also act as the first point of contact for many people when they visit Bristol.
“The people who work at all Bristol’s hotels put in a lot of effort, much of which goes unnoticed. These awards have been put in place to recognise these efforts and to celebrate the people who work so hard to make our city such a great place to visit.
“To receive an award from those involved in the sector you work in is a great honour and it promises to be a great night following what has been a very busy Christmas and New Year.
“As an association, we are committed to improving the quality and standard of hotel service delivered by our team members, and to continuously improve the standard of hospitality to benefit guests’ overall experience of the region.”
The finalists are:
Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Ruby & White
Kamil Gwizdala (The Bristol)
Joran Geater (Bristol Harbour Hotel)
Conor Carrington-Stait (Marriott Royal)
Heart of House – sponsored by WGC
Agnes Perkowska (Quarter)
Esther Green (Aztec Hotels)
Diana Neukirchner (Ibis)
Front of House – sponsored by Cadence
Julie Coles (DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol City Centre)
Lynn Seehasuth (Novotel)
Jed Burston (Hampton by Hilton, Bristol Airport)
Andrei Balica (De Vere, Tortworth Court)
Mentor – sponsored by Call Cars
Nadine Rees (Doubletree by Hilton, North Bristol)
Imran Ali (Hampton by Hilton, Bristol City Centre)
Verity Williams (Clevedon Hall)
Claire Madge (DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House)
Bright Idea – sponsored by Limber Work
Katie Freer (Marriott City Centre)
Carly Price (DoubleTree by Hilton, North Bristol)
Care Committee (DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House)
Rising Star – sponsored by Sounds Commercial
Philip Goddard (Hotel du Vin)
Jack Chester (Quarter)
Angel Tuckett (Hampton by Hilton, Bristol City Centre)
Virginia Real Ramos (Mercure Grand)
Unsung Hero – sponsored by CFG
Ana Munoz (Mercure Grand)
Mark Skinner (Clevedon Hall)
Hayden Davis (Tortworth Court)
Christopher Martin (Aztec Hotel & Spa)
