Nigel Hawthorn, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, was one of a number of a number of British Hospitality Association member winners at the inaugural Northern Hospitality Awards held at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester this month.

Nigel, head chef and joint managing director with Craig Bancroft at Northcote Manor in Blackburn, Lancashire, was adjudged to have been a consistent inspiration to the region, bringing considerable benefit to the industry through his own success.

“A true ambassador for the industry, all of Nigel’s success and hard-won reputation has been utilised to promote an inspirational vision of Northern Hospitality,” said the judges.

Other members who won on the night included Anthony's in Leeds, awarded Best Restaurant, for its consistent achievements and for being an innovative and growing business, and with judges describing the restaurant as serving “great food with a cutting edge”; Best Hotel went to Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria; and Best Manager went to Simon Rhatigan at the Feversham Arms, Helmsley, North Yorkshire.