Joshua Oliver Ndirmbita named Restaurant Manager of the Year

Joshua Oliver Ndirmbita from Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire has been named the Institute of Hospitality’s Restaurant Manager of the Year.

He triumphed over 16 other finalists - including runner up Alessandro Passaglia from Aviator in Hampshire - who were competing at Hotel Café Royal in London, having been runner up in the competition last year. 

All the finalists were assessed on leadership and people management, guest engagement and commercial decision making. They were then whittled down to four who competed in a live final in front of an audience of industry peers. 

Speaking at the event Institute of Hospitality chief executive Robert Richardson said: “This competition continues to highlight just how skilled and influential restaurant managers are within hospitality businesses. 

“The depth of talent coming through gives us real confidence in the future of the industry. Joshua is a shining example of how this competition can impact a person’s career and their confidence. He is indeed a very worthy winner.”

The Restaurant Manager of the Year Joshua Oliver Ndirmbita added: “I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, my colleagues, my mentors and the Institute. I stood on this stage last year as runner up, and winning this title is special, but what really matters is the people you meet, the connections you build and the confidence you gain along the way.”

As part of his prize Ndirmbita will receive one year of Institute of Hospitality membership, a tailored professional development programme and mentoring support, alongside invitations to industry events and a series of hospitality experiences including overnight stays at Gleneagles, the Level at Meliá White House and a private Belmond boat experience on the Thames.