Purple Umbrella Awards celebrate outstanding apprentices
The awards recognised hospitality apprentices across Levels 2 to 5, chef apprentices, mentors and individuals.
“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.”
Exceptional apprentices, mentors, employers and organisations were celebrated at the 10th annual Purple Umbrella Awards.
The event, held at BAFTA 195 in Piccadilly, brought together hospitality leaders, employers, training partners and rising talent from across the industry.
The awards recognised hospitality apprentices across Levels 2 to 5, chef apprentices, mentors and individuals who have achieved outstanding success through their apprenticeship journeys.
From chefs and hotel professionals to future hospitality leaders, the winners showcased the breadth of talent entering and progressing through the industry.
Adele Oxberry, chief executive and 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, 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.”
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.
Highly commended: Alessandra Motisi – The Stafford London.
Highly commended: 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: To mark the 10th anniversary of the Purple Umbrella Awards, Harry Murray 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.
