Ayesha Kalaji, co-owner and Head Chef at the Queen of Cups gastro pub in Glastonbury, has been named winner of the Middle Eastern Food of the Year category at the BIH Spotlight Awards.

The prestigious awards ceremony took place in London on October 24 at Percy's Kensington. It was hosted by author TV presenter, author and pastry chef, Ravneet Gill. 

The Queen of Cups gastro pub is situated in Northload Street, Glastonbury. 

Ayesha Kalaji, co-owner and Head Chef at the Queen of Cups says: "I'm incredibly grateful to receive this award. To be considered amongst such incredible company in and of itself is an honour. It truly makes all the literal bloody sweat and tears worth it. I'm so proud of everyone who has helped make Queen of Cups what it is; a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant space. I'm also so thankful to all the judges for recognising this, and I look forward to continuing the work of representing inclusivity in the hospitality industry."

The BIH Spotlight Awards is the first ever UK awards to celebrate diverse talent in the hospitality industry. Over 400 public nominations were received for businesses and individuals of exceptional talent and achievement from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds working within the UK hospitality industry.

The BIH Spotlight Awards judging panel was co-chaired by industry luminaries, TV presenter and celebrity chef Andi Oliver and co-founder of D&D London, Des Gunewardena. Alongside food and diversity consultant Mallika Basu; Masterchef winner and restaurateur, Shelina Permalloo; author and chef, Mike Reid; global rum ambassador, Ian Burrell; wine and sake educator, Shane Jones; CEO and founder of Umbrella Training, Adele C Oxberry; Co-owner of Tayēr + Elementary, Monica Berg; and chef consultant, Jay Morjaria.

Andi Oliver says: "The nominees have been amazing and inspiring - it's so wonderful to get an insight into how the cross cultural creative culinary minds are ticking across the country. I am so hopeful for the future of our industry and the potential for true growth and inclusion. Congratulations to everyone see you all next year!"

Des Gunewardena comments: "Reviewing, judging, and scoring the 44 finalists was a formidable task...like a business version of the Eurovision Song Contest! I was really impressed and touched by the stories behind so many of the people showcased here.  We need more business leaders and successful entrepreneurs from Black, Asian, and other minority backgrounds to serve as role models in order to encourage more young people from BAME communities to enter the hospitality industry. I think that Lorraine Cope's excellent initiative in establishing the BIH Spotlight Awards will help do that."

The BIH Spotlight Awards is the brainchild of Lorraine Copes, a hospitality industry veteran, and founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality. Lorraine is on a mission to advance racial equity in the hospitality industry. The BIH Spotlight Awards celebrate businesses and individuals of exceptional talent and achievement from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds working within the UK hospitality industry today.

Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality comments: "I am absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer exhilaration and joy that I experienced last night during our first BIH Spotlight Awards Ceremony. When launching these awards, my mission was to shine a much-needed spotlight for our community and to celebrate the individual brilliance, dedication and passion that exists in our industry. I want to thank the public for their nominations and our esteemed panel for their support and selection of our winners. My heartfelt congratulations go to our 13 winners on their resounding and continued success."