More than 45 apprentices were recognised for their commitment to the hospitality industry at the prestigious Purple Umbrella awards held at The Savoy Hotel in London last night.

UK’s best apprentices recognised at Purple Umbrella awards.

Hosted by Umbrella Training, the awards were presented to talented chefs, staff, supervisors and managers for their commitment to lifelong learning and their achievements over the past 12–18 months.

The Pig Hotels were the big winners of the night, taking home three awards as the industry came together to celebrate apprentices from across the hotel, restaurant and foodservice sectors.

Winners from The Pig included Rosie Downing, a commis chef level two apprentice at The Pig at Combe, Aleksandra Ostafinska a junior sous chef from The Pig at Harlyn Bay, and Chloe Blanks, waitress at The Pig at Bridge Place.

Mark Lewis, chief executive at Hospitality Action, received the Special Award for his contribution to supporting the industry throughout the pandemic period and beyond.

Other award winners included Selven Armoogum who won the Alumni Award for his role as operations manager apprentice at the Dorset Square Hotel, and Bogdan Rotaru, assistant front of house manager at PPHE Hotel Group, who won the Best Level 4 prize.