Hospitality stalwarts named in honours list

RESTAURATEUR Annie Schwab celebrated the arrival of 1999 by being appointed MBE in the New Year Honours.

Schwab, who runs the 46-seat Michelin-starred Winteringham Fields in Lincolnshire with her husband Germain, was recognised for her services to tourism.

"Like everyone in the catering industry, you put your nose to the grindstone and you never think anyone is taking any notice. It is great to realise somebody has been watching me and it is a good start to 1999," she said.

Schwab opened the restaurant 11 years ago with Germain, who is the chef. She is an active member of a string of organisations including the Guild of Food Writers, the Academy of Food and Wine and the Restaurant Association (RA).

She also belongs to the British Hospitality Association (BHA), which was widely recognised in the honours list. BHA president Garry Hawkes, chairman of Gardner Merchant, was appointed CBE for services to tourism and catering, while chief executive Jeremy Logie was made OBE for services to tourism.

Janette Bland, owner of the 20-bedroom St Tudno hotel in Llandudno, Gwynedd, was honoured with an MBE for her services to the hotel industry and tourism in Wales.

Other MBEs went to Connie Wilson, resident manager at the Hotel & Catering Benevolent Association sheltered home in Newcastle, and Gloria Bittante, senior waitress at Bertorelli's restaurant in Covent Garden. Dennis Stockwell, former manager of the tourist information centre in Bedale, North Yorkshire, was also appointed MBE.

Anthony Sell, former chief executive of the British Tourist Authority (BTA), was made CBE and his successor Jeff Hamblin, previously BTA director for the Americas, was made OBE.

Ian Anderson, community investment director at Whitbread was appointed OBE for services to volunteering.

by Louise Bozec