I was delighted to have attended the London Hospitality Festival 2018 this weekend. Celebrating it’s 10th year it is an annual fun day organised by Paul Gilley form ccfestivals. It started off in 2008 with ten hotel football teams playing in Hyde Park and it has grown to be a major event for hospitality workers across London. It is an exclusive free event for hospitality workers, their family and friends. This year there were about 3,000 people in attendance.

Now held at Kings House Sports Ground, the event had over 45 hospitality companies entering teams for the football tournament and there is also now a softball tournament too. There were over 65 teams competing for the coveted trophies. With activities throughout the day for all the family from face painting and bouncy castles to colour runs and live bands. It is a fun filled day for all to enjoy.

This event was originally called the HACCC – ‘Hotel and Catering Challenge Cup’ and The Dorchester were the first hotel to win the cup. Over the years this events has raised money for Springboard, Hospitality Action, The House of St Barnabus and the Janus Foundation.

When I was Chair for the Institute of Hospitality London we became involved with this event back in 2013. As this event has grown so has their relationship with ccfestivals and it is great to see that Institute of Hospitality is now one of their main partners.

The London Hospitality Festival 2018 champions

From all of those that took part, the 2018 football champions were the team from the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

2nd place – Marylebone Hotel

3rd place – Hilton London Metropole

4th place – Z Hotels

5th place – Firmdale Hotels

6th place – Taj Hotels

The softball tournament was won by Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Congratulations to all that took part. I look forward to next years event and hope to see you there too.