MICHELIN-star chef Michael Deane, who has been at the forefront of a culinary revolution in Northern Ireland over more than two decades, has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the hospitality sector.
Deane (58) took the night's top honour at the 24th Institute of Hospitality Awards in Titanic Belfast.
The organisation's chairman Marianne Hood described him as "a man who lives, breathes and dreams the hospitality industry and is a champion of local people, local produce and local producers."
She also described him as being "a fine example of someone who truly embodies the spirit of the our mantra ‘to promote hospitality professionalism through life-long learning'."
Michael Deane has been at the helm of Deanes Restaurants in Belfast for 21 years and is recognised as having significantly contributed to the growth of the food tourism industry.
Today his empire has grown to seven different outlets across the city covering a wide spectrum of experiences from Michelin Star dining in Deanes Eipic to the popular Deanes Deli Vin Café with its cool and casual vibe.
Over the years both Michael personally and Deanes Restaurants have been widely recognised with a host of awards, and his business has won 18 Michelin Stars in total, holding the star consecutively for 14 years, which is the longest time for any restaurant in Ireland.
He himself has been named UK chef of the year while Deanes has been awarded restaurant of the year in Ireland on four occasions.
The Institute of Hospitality NI Awards, hosted by TV personality Pamela Ballantine, recognise the most dedicated and passionate professionals working across the north’s ever-expanding hospitality industry. Winners were:
:: Outstanding apprentice of the year sponsored by People Ist International - Kaitlin Bentz from Holiday Inn Express, Antrim
:: Student management potential sponsored by Stephens Catering Equipment - Dominika Murlak from Ulster University
:: Independent bar manager of the year sponsored by Molson Coors - Francis McGuinness from the Devenish Complex
:: Business development manager of the year sponsored by Johnsons Coffee - Leigh Heggarty from Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort
:: Coffee shop/café manager of the year sponsored by Lynas Foodservice - Shelly Harvey from Toasted Artisan Kitchen
:: Contract catering chef of the year sponsored by Irwins Bakery - Stephen Chambers from Sodexo
:: Contract catering manager of the year sponsored by Recruitment Solutions NI - Angela Maguire from Mount Charles Group
:: General manager of the future sponsored by Tourism NI - Lindsay Carroll from Hastings Ballygally Castle Hotel
:: Front of house manager of the year sponsored by Avvio - Chrissie Carson from the Merchant Hotel, Belfast
:: Hospitality management team of the year sponsored by Firmus Energy - Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort
:: Hotel chef of the year sponsored by Get Fresh - John Whyte from Armagh City Hotel
:: Hotelier of the year sponsored by MKB Law - Brian Tracey from Maldron Belfast International Airport
:: Housekeeping manager of the year sponsored by Lilliput Services - Monika Wieczorek from Galgorm Spa and Gold Resort
:: Human resource manager of the year sponsored by GenTech Specialist Recruitment Solutions - Lauren McAteer, Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort
:: Lecturer of the year sponsored by the Institute of Hospitality - Ruth Doherty from South Eastern Regional College
:: Operational manager of the year sponsored by Direct Wine Shipments - Stacy Feeney from Crowne Plaza Belfast
:: Restaurant chef of the year sponsored by Henderson Foodservice - Daniel Harvey from Havana Bank Square.
:: Restaurateur of the year sponsored by Galgorm Group - Fisnik Ujkaj from Castello Italia
:: Supplier of the year sponsored by Institute of Hospitality NI - Gerry White, Jawbox Gin
:: Unsung hero award sponsored by Net Affinity - Jacqueline Thompson Sodexo
:: Outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry sponsored by NI Jobs.com - Michael Deane
