Co-owner of Sedbergh’s Black Bull, Nina Matsunaga, has been named chef of the year in prestigious industry awards.
She was handed the accolade by the Be Inclusive Hospitality’s Spotlight Awards on Monday in London.
Established in 2022, the BIH Spotlight Awards aim to recognise exceptional talent from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds within the UK’s hospitality, food, and drink sectors.
The awards champion diversity, creativity, and excellence in an industry that thrives on cultural influence and innovation.
This year, a record 2,000 votes were cast across 15 categories and finalists were selected by an esteemed panel of 21 judges representing a cross-section of the industry.
Nina said: “It’s amazing to win Chef of the Year, but we all know that without a great team, both front of house and back of house, nothing works.
“Awards like this are really about everyone who makes service happen, so I want to thank every single member of my team at The Black Bull for their hard work and dedication.
“On a broader note, people from diverse backgrounds must be encouraged to play a bigger role in UK hospitality. Our food scene is truly world-class, shaped over the last 30 years by the incredible diversity found across the country.
“I hope it continues to flourish and inspire future generations to join this vibrant, ever-evolving industry.”
