IoH announce UK Restaurant Manager of the Year 2022 shortlist and new event sponsor Prosecco DOC

The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) has announced the shortlist for its prestigious UK Restaurant Manager of the Year 2022 competition with 10 outstanding UK restaurant managers making the final cut. With additional kudos for the event with Prosecco DOC confirmed as new event sponsors for the final.

Selected from a wealth of candidates from across the UK by an esteemed panel of judges, the top 10 finalists will undertake a range of restaurant management tasks at the Hotel Café Royal in London on Monday 10 January 2022.

Selected for the shortlist and attending the final are:

1. Alexandros Kaloudas MIH - Hilton London Bankside, London
2. Gianluca Austin -   Simpsons Restaurant, Birmingham
3. Tony Gill -   Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, Durham
4. Ms Annie Robinson -   The Ivy, Birmingham
5. Ms Raminta Mackeviciute – The Ivy Cobham Brasserie, Surrey
6. Jacob Pinder -   Hotel Café Royal, London
7. James Brackley MIH -   South Lodge Hotel, West Sussex
8. Ms Abigail Clark -   Charlie's at Browns Hotel, London
9. Andrea Caldelari -   Pan Pacific, London
10. Antonino Forte MIH -   Galvin at Windows, Hilton Park Lane, London

The evening’s finale, sponsored by Prosecco DOC, will showcase the top finalists from the day, who will be tested on additional restaurant management skills in front of a VIP audience of influencers, before one is crowned UK Restaurant Manager of the Year 2022.

Speaking about the quality of entries this year, John Cousins FIH, Head Judge, Food & Beverage Training commented: “The Restaurant Manager of the Year 2022 has once again attracted high quality entries. From establishments throughout the UK, the ten semi-finalists represent some of the best restaurant managers in the industry.”

Sarah Peters MIH, IoH’s Head of Commercial & Events added: “The winner follows in the footsteps of some amazing talent, so we are all anticipating great things from our shortlisted finalists at the VIP final at the Hotel Café Royal in January.”

With the confirmation that Prosecco DOC has committed to sponsoring the event, Robert Richardson FIH, IoH CEO said: “Having Prosecco DOC on board as the sponsor for this prestigious event is great news. I’m delighted to welcome them to our hospitality family and look forward to a hard-fought final at Hotel Café Royal in London on 10 January.”

Along with the trophy and prestigious title of UK Restaurant Manager of the Year 2022, the winner will also receive:

• An all-expenses paid consultancy project with The Edge Hotel School, University of Essex to develop personal, analytical and professional skills to assist them in their current role and develop their career.
• A year of tickets to attend the top IoH events of 2022 including Above & Beyond and the Fellows’ Dinner
• A selection of Prosecco supplied by event sponsor, Prosecco DOC
• Annual Membership of IoH and much more to be announced.

The 2022 Judging panel

• John Cousins FIH (Head Judge) Food & Beverage Training
• Ian Sturroc kThe Arts Club
• Johanna Wimmer The Ivy Collection
• Rory Kelly-Naughton MIH Evolve Hospitality
• Roy Sommer FBMA FIH
• Alper Zan AIH Hospitality Professional
• Stéphane Davaine Brewin Dolphin
• Ludovic Solmi J-Sheekey Restaurant
• Paul Shanahan MIH The Vineyard
• Kerry O’Connor Hotel Café Royal
• Sue Thompson BaxterStorey
• Matthew Mawtus HIDE

Tickets for the final, sponsored by Prosecco DOC are on sale now: Book tickets.