There is one ‘gong’ that everyone in hospitality covets. From hoteliers to chefs, restauranteurs to mixologists, the iconic ‘lady holding a clamshell’ is frankly the equivalent of an Oscar when it comes to hospitality. So, I was hugely honoured to be invited to attend this star-studded night by Jacobs Media, publishers of The Caterer magazine and hosts of the Cateys. As a leading food and drink agency with over 37 years in foodservice and hospitality (six years longer than the Cateys have been running!) we have been proud to work with many Cateys’ award winners and sponsors over the years. So, it was wonderful to witness another cohort of winners receive their well-deserved awards.

As ever the night attracted the crème de la crème of the hospitality industry including Michel Roux, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Nisha Katona, Adam Handling and many more. The menu, devised by Raymond Blanc himself, holder of the Ruby Catey Award was accompanied by wines from Matthew Clark. Sadly, a back injury prevented the celebrity chef from attending on the night, but the team from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and JW Marriot Grosvenor House did him proud with a stunning three-course meal.

The wine and conversation flowed throughout the evening with the nominees all doubtless eager to find out if they would walk away with one of the coveted and iconic awards. Soon it was time for Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills to take to the stage and reveal the winners. The full list can be found here but even those who didn’t walk away victorious could hold their heads high knowing that they had been nominated for the most prestigious award in the hospitality world.

Congratulations to the winners, judges, nominees, sponsors who make the night possible, and of course the events team at The Caterer for an event that will long be remembered by those of us lucky enough to attend.

To see the night on socials search #Cateys2024