The winners have been announced for the 2026 Independent Hotel Show Awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, with AA Media Managing Director Simon Numphud recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.
Each year the awards recognise outstanding hotels, rising stars in hospitality and quality design, celebrating the innovation and excellence present across the board in the UK’s independent hotel sector.
In the Independent Hotel of the Year – Over 50 Rooms category, The Grand, York, took home the title, while Cromlix hotel won in the Independent Hotel of the Year – Under 50 Rooms category.
Adam Dyke, General Manager of The Grand, York, said: “This is completely unexpected and there were some brilliant hotels in our category. We’re absolutely delighted and it’s a credit to the whole team who work incredibly hard every single day. It’s great to bring this award back to Yorkshire for the second year running and it shows that Yorkshire hospitality has never been stronger. This is for the Grand family.”
Hotel Design of the Year was won by Charlotte Smiley and Kim Hanks for the design of The Old Bell Hotel, while Grantley Hall Welcome Host Isaac Arikawe was recognised as a Hotel Rising Star.
Arikawe commented: “It’s been such an amazing evening. What I’ve learned is that nothing is too much to make people happy. Every life deserves respect. Everyone is a VIP. Thank you very much.”
Sponsor Brenda Collins, EVP Europe at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, said: “Preferred Hotels & Resorts are delighted to sponsor the Independent Hotel Show Awards for the third year running. It was wonderful to see the amazing range of independent hotels shortlisted and congratulations to all the winners!”
Finally, Independent Hotel Show Event Director David Todd announced that Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Media, would be awarded Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, commenting: “Simon’s passion for the industry shines through everything he does. He is rarely in the spotlight but always working behind the scenes to advocate for the sector and champion hospitality professionals.”
Numphud added: “Deeply honoured to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Independent Hotel Show London. Looking at the remarkable list of previous recipients makes this recognition particularly special, and I’m incredibly grateful to the judging panel for this honour.
“Most importantly, recognition like this is never really about one person. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many talented and passionate people throughout my career, and I’m hugely grateful to all those who have been part of the journey. A very special evening and a genuinely proud and humbling moment.”
View the awards shortlist here:
Independent Hotel of the Year – Over 50 Rooms
- Another Place, The Lake
- Horwood House
- The Grand, York
- The Newman
- The Tempus
Independent Hotel of the Year – Under 50 Rooms
- Calcot & Spa
- Cromlix
- Foxhill Manor
- The Cavendish at Baslow
- The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Hotel Rising Star
- Isaac Arikawe, Welcome Host, Grantley Hall
- Nicole Johnson, Head of Marketing, The Newman
- Sandia Scott, Head of People and Culture, The Newman
- Sophie Morgan, Wedding and Events Coordinator, Morgans Hotel
Hotel Design of the Year
- Calcot Manor & Spa, Blue Forest
- Cromlix, Suzanne Garuda, Garuda Interior Design
- Miiro Templeton Garden Hotel, Holland Harvey, Thurstan and garden designer Rupert Muldoon
- Penmaenuchaf, Nicola Harding & Co
- The Old Bell Hotel, Charlotte Smiley and Kim Hanks
This year’s judging panel comprised:
- Brenda Collin, Executive Vice President of Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts
- Dean Culpan, General Manager, Templeton Garden
- Petra Clayton, CEO, CUSTARD
- Sarah Duncan, ESG Consultant and author of The Sustainable Business Book and The Ethical Business Book
- Jade Evans, Editor, The Hotel Magazine
- Eloise Hanson, Editor, Boutique Hotel News
- Sophie Harper, Editor, Hotel Designs
- Peter Hancock, Conference & Awards Host
- Kalindi Juneja, CEO, PoB Hotels
- Nick Maddox, Head of Risk, James Hallam Hospitality & Leisure
- Zoe Monk, Managing Editor, Boutique Hotelier
- Simon Numphud, Managing Director, AA Media
- Jane Pendlebury, CEO, HOSPA
- Robert Richardson, CEO, Institute of Hospitality
The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, is the UK’s only business event dedicated exclusively to the needs of luxury, boutique and independently owned hotels. Bringing together hotel owners, general managers, designers and senior decision-makers, the show provides an unrivalled opportunity to discover innovative suppliers, gain expert insight and build valuable industry connections.
Independent Hotel Show 2027 takes place on 5-6 October at Olympia London. To register to attend or find out more, visit www.independenthotelshow.co.uk.
