Over 400 hospitality professionals recently gathered at The Fed Brewery in Dunston, Gateshead to celebrate the very best in North East hospitality at the North East Hotel Association (NEHA) Excellence Awards 2025.
With 11 award categories, 16 generous sponsors, including Lanchester Wines sponsoring the evening’s wines, the event shone a spotlight on the people and teams who deliver outstanding service, innovation, and leadership across the region’s hotels.
This year’s awards recognised excellence in every corner of the industry from rising stars and seasoned leaders to teams delivering exceptional guest experiences and sustainability success stories.
2025 Winners
Warmest Welcome
Collette Johnson, Hotel Indigo Newcastle
Sponsored by Nearby Group
Best Newcomer
Karolina Wolka, Dakota Newcastle
Sponsored by Booking.com
Culinary Excellence Award
Kieran Fear, Maldron Hotel Newcastle
Sponsored by Crosbys
Sales Excellence
Debbie Ball, Great North Hotel
Sponsored by Destination North East England
Service Excellence
Natalie Cabby, Staybridge Suites Newcastle
Sponsored by Ringtons
Inspirational Leader
Lisa Crocker, Staybridge Suites Newcastle
Sponsored by The Roberts Family
Cleanliness Excellence-
Housekeeping Department, Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland
Sponsored by Fishers Linen
Support Services –
Allan Gardner, Delta by Marriott Newcastle Gateshead
Sponsored by RDA Limited
Rising Star –
Ian Wong, Hotel Indigo Newcastle
Sponsored by Expedia Group
Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Award
Seaham Hall Hotel
Sponsored by SOS Group
Community Award
Hardwick Hall Hotel
Sponsored by North East Chamber of Commerce
The evening also featured a charity raffle to raise funds for Hospitality Action, entertainment by Chris Dakers and Waiter Surprise, Storm Band and expertly hosted by Charlie Richmond. It was a true celebration of the region’s hospitality sector’s resilience, creativity, and continued growth.
A celebration of the North East’s hospitality spirit
The NEHA Excellence Awards are organised annually to recognise the dedication of teams and individuals across the North East who consistently go above and beyond for their guests, their teams, and their communities.
The event reflects the region’s growing reputation for hospitality excellence and its commitment to people, skills, and sustainability.
“These awards celebrate the heart of our industry – the people. Every nominee and winner represents the warmth, professionalism, and passion that make North East hospitality truly special. This year’s event was a wonderful reminder of the strength of our community and the talent we’re so proud to have across our hotels,” said Anna Wadcock and Sarah Harrison, Co-Chairs of the North East Hotel Association.
About the North East Hotel Association
The NEHA is the leading voice for the hotel and hospitality sector across the North East, representing over 50 hotels and 4,000 employees. Working collaboratively with regional partners, NEHA champions skills development, career pathways, sustainability, and growth across the visitor economy.
If you would like to know more about the association or to become a member please get in touch via awadcock@maldronhotels.com or admin@nehotels.co.uk