Purple Umbrella Awards 2026 Celebrate Hospitality’s Rising Stars at 10th Anniversary BAFTA 195, Picadilly
Umbrella Training marked the 10th anniversary of the Purple Umbrella Awards with a sparkling evening of celebration at BAFTA 195, Piccadilly, recognising the exceptional apprentices, mentors, employers and organisations helping to shape the future of hospitality.
Bringing together hospitality leaders, employers, training partners and rising talent from across the industry, the milestone ceremony recognised the achievements of this year’s finalists and winners, celebrating the drive, commitment and determination behind their success.
From chefs and hotel professionals to future hospitality leaders, the winners represented the breadth of talent entering and progressing through the industry, demonstrating the vital role apprenticeships play in creating meaningful career opportunities.
Adele Oxberry, Chief Executive & Founder of Umbrella Training, said:
“The calibre of entries this year was exceptionally high, and it was fantastic to see so many apprentices going above and beyond - not only in their roles, but also through the contribution they are making to their teams, employers and the wider hospitality industry.
“For young people at risk of becoming not in Education, Employment or Training (“NEET”), and those who may not have the traditional qualifications or connections to get a foot on the career ladder, apprenticeships can open doors and provide a pathway into a rewarding career.
“At Umbrella Training, we believe everyone deserves opportunity and it is so important to celebrate these inspiring journeys - from the apprentices themselves to the mentors, employers and colleagues who supported them.”
Guests were treated to entertainment from wordsmith and poet Sonny Green, live DJ and dancing, as well as the awards presentation itself. The awards recognised hospitality apprentices across Levels 2 to 5, chef apprentices, mentors and individuals who have achieved outstanding success through their apprenticeship journey.
Purple Umbrella Awards 2026 Winners
Best Level 2 Apprentice
Winner: Veronica Hoxha – Bvlgari Hotel London
Highly Commended: Elias De Graaff – Soho House
Best Level 3 Apprentice
Winner: Kelly Reynolds – Farncombe Estate
Highly Commended: Lara Saab – Great Scotland Yard, Unbound Collection, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Highly Commended: Pedro De Sousa – The Store Oxford
Best Level 4 Apprentice
Winner: Shamsad Chowdhury – Klarent Hospitality – DoubleTree by Hilton London Chelsea
Highly Commended: Samuel Harton – The QHotels Collection
Highly Commended: Evelina Juralyte – Gather & Gather, CH&CO
Best Level 4 Luxury Leaders Apprentice
Winner: Jonathan Ciammella – Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Belgravia
Highly Commended: Samuel Milbery – The Chancery Rosewood
Alessandra Motisi – The Stafford London
Kamaldeep Singh – Clermont Hotel Group
Best Level 5 Apprentice
Winner: Sylwia Umelo – Klarent Hospitality – DoubleTree by Hilton Dartford Bridge
Highly Commended: Joanne Thorniley – The QHotels Collection
Highly Commended: Louis Fouché – Clermont Hotel Group
Best Chef Apprentice Level 2
Winner: Georgina Knatchbull – Home Grown Hotels
Highly Commended: Tariq Spalding – The Felix Project
Best Chef Apprentice Level 3
Winner: Harry Lamble Thomas – The Store Oxford
Highly Commended: Thomas Williams – Home Grown Hotels
Best Apprentice Mentor
Winner: Tom Sheppard – Home Grown Hotels
Highly Commended: Kerry Allen – The QHotels Collection
Highly Commended: Nick Hughes – The QHotels Collection
Best Apprentice from Another FE Provider
Winner: Megan Jenkins – BaxterStorey
Highly Commended: Joanne Baggaley – BaxterStorey
Special Achievement Award
London’s Community Kitchen
Led by Taz Khan MBE and Suzy Jakeman BEM, London’s Community Kitchen received the Special Achievement Award in recognition of its outstanding work supporting unemployed Londoners into sustainable hospitality careers through Umbrella Training’s Taste of Culinary Skills Bootcamp.
The organisation was also recognised for its continued commitment to tackling food insecurity across London’s communities, demonstrating the powerful role hospitality skills and employment opportunities can play in creating positive change.
Diamond Anniversary Award
Harry Murray MBE MI FIH
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Purple Umbrella Awards, Harry Murray MBE MI FIH was presented with the inaugural Diamond Award.
A passionate champion of apprenticeships and early careers, Harry has supported the Purple Umbrella Awards since their inception, serving as a judge for all ten years and tirelessly advocating for the development of future hospitality talent.
His recognition provided a fitting tribute to a decade of the awards and to the many people who have championed apprenticeships and helped thousands of individuals build careers in hospitality.
Special Recognition Awards Winners:
Hospitality Passion: Joseph Zanaty, Luxury Family Hotels
Hospitality Resilience: Kerry Allen, The QHotels Collection
Hospitality Collaboration: Lime Wood Hotel
Hospitality Ambition: Lam Lam Lamgie Yip, The Corinthia
Hospitality Excellence: Samuel Milbery, The Chancery Rosewood
Hospitality Apprenticeship Initiative: The QHotels Collection
As the Purple Umbrella Awards look towards the next decade, Umbrella Training remains committed to championing apprenticeships and inclusion, supporting employers and mentors, and opening doors to the next generation of hospitality talent.
