A cocktail bar which holds free community events has been nominated for the Pride of Reading Hospitality Award.
High Spirits Cocktail Company is in its second year of operating from its premises in The Village leisure complex on Kings Road in Reading.
The independent business, which was praised by its nominator for hosting free community events, is also committed to supporting the environment and making a positive impact on climate change.
They say they offer value and quality with the aim of providing the best experiences for guests.
The Hospitality category, which is new this year, is sponsored by REDA, Reading’s economy and destination agency.
It recognises ‘excellence in the hospitality industry, either an individual or business that has shown resilience, outstanding dedication to their customers and a strong commitment to Reading’.
The award was set up in memory of journalist Hilary Scott, one of the organisers of the Pride of Reading Awards and food writer for our predecessor, the Reading Post, who supported the hospitality sector through the Food Monthly publication. Hilary sadly passed away last year.
The Pride of Reading Awards annual lunch hosted by Chris Tarrant will be held in October where shortlisted nominees, guests and sponsors are invited and winners celebrated.
Nominate someone for a Pride of Reading Award
Organisers would like to hear who you think should win recognition in the awards. To nominate a person, business or organisation, for to www.porawards.co.uk where there is information on categories and sponsors.
Please send 100-200 words on your choice to win an award.
About REDA, sponsor of the Pride of Reading Hospitality Award
READING’S Economy & District Agency (REDA) will be sponsoring this year’s Hospitality Award, inspired by and in memory of Hilary Scott.
The category recognises excellence in the hospitality industry, either a person or business which has shown resilience, outstanding dedication to their customers and a strong commitment to Reading.
Nigel Horton Baker, the chief executive of REDA, said: “It’s the first award that we’ve sponsored, so we’re really excited about that. The awards ceremony very much aligns with our brand.
“We are the destination agency, we promote the area for tourists and visitors, we promote the area for tourists and visitors. One of the important things in that is the hospitality offer that we provide, so it’s fitting we’re sponsoring the hospitality award.”
Mr Baker identified the link with journalist and Reading stalwart Hilary Scott, who died in last August, as a major factor in supporting the award.
“I had known Hilary for some 10 years, so it’s a great honour to be associated with this award,” he explained.
“The particular criteria that we’re looking for from applicants really does sum up what Hilary was about.
“We’re looking for resilience, Hilary always faced up to a challenge and came up with good solutions to problems. We’re looking for good customer care, and of course, Hilary was a great people person. She always had time for everybody.
“And we’re looking for commitment to Reading as well. Hilary helped us with the Eat Reading Festival that we run every year on Broad Street.
“She liked to travel, and as the old saying goes, ‘you could take the Hilary out of Reading, but you couldn’t take the Reading out of Hilary.’”
