In January 2019 Almost 500 guests gathered at a champagne and canapĂŠ reception in The Berkeley hotelâs ballroom for a jubilant celebration of the seventh Belgravia Awards.
Gallerist and co-founder of the Lady Garden Foundation, Tamara Beckwith, was the special guest presenter for the evening. She handed out trophies to the winners of the At Your Service, Local Hero, Charitable Champion, Old Friend, New Friend and Lifetime Achievement awards.
The event was organised by Belgravia magazine with the kind support of Grosvenor, The Berkeley, Handelsbanken, Child & Child, Newton Wood, the Cleveland Clinic, The Peninsula and Knight Frank.
This yearâs judges were local resident Amanda Bond Elliott, general manager of The Berkeley Knut Wylde, Grosvenorâs South Belgravia location director Paul OâGrady, Nainesh Shah from Mayhew Newsagent and publisher of Belgravia magazine Adrian Day.
From a long list of great nominees, the judges voted on a shortlist of highly commended runners up for each category, before selecting six worthy winners.
Champagne & cocktails
During the evening guests were treated to a delicious spread of cheese from the The Fine Cheese Co on Motcomb Street and canapĂŠs from The Berkeleyâs hotel kitchen. There were also chocolates from Waitrose, fresh fruit from Charles of Belgravia and Danish bakes from Ole & Steen.
Champagne flowed courtesy of Fortnum & Mason, while cocktails were mixed by bartenders from the newly opened Chucs restaurant and bar.
Guests were also treated to hand massages from the hotelâs skilled spa therapists.
Belgravia magazine would like to thank our wonderful florist Neill Strain for providing the beautiful floral arrangements, Rachel Vosper for scenting the ballroom with her divine candles and Young Guns for the live music.
Finally, we would like to extend a special thank you to everyone in the local community who attended the ceremony for making it such a memorable evening once again.
Charitable champion
Winner: Angela Hay, chair of the Belgravia Traders Association.
Pictured left to right: Aysha Best Forbes from Newton Wood, Angela Hay and Tamara Beckwith.
Commended: Cecile Sealy, Belgravia Residents Association.
Commended: Debra Stroud, Chestertons.
Angela Hay supports and champions local businesses. She gives up her spare time to organise community events and works with local charity the Lullaby Trust.
At Your Service
Winner: Tony Whitehead The Grenadier.Â
Pictured left to right: Steven MacDonald, Tony Whitehead and Tamara Beckwith.
Commended: Nainesh Shah Mayhew Newsagent.
Commended: Bally Singh Charles of Belgravia.
Tony Whitehead and his team have managed The Grenadier for the last 10 years. In that time they have filled the pub with community spirit.
Local Hero
Winner: The Reverend Alan Gyle, vicar of St Paulâs Knightsbridge.
Pictured left to right: Stuart Bailey from sponsor Knight Frank, the Rev Alan Gyle and Tamara Beckwith.
Commended: Ross Borthwick, branch manager of Waitrose Belgravia.
Commended: Daniel Galvin Jr. hair colourist.
Over the last 18 years, the Rev Gyle has transformed the parish church into a true community space. Christmas carol concerts raise huge amounts for good causes and jumble sales welcome all, regardless of faith.
New Friend
Winner: Jones Family Kitchen
Pictured left to right: Brian Donley from the Cleveland Clinic, Anna Watts from Jones Family Kitchen and Tamara Beckwith.
Commended: Issyâs hair salon.
Commended: Masterpeace.
Since arriving in Belgravia, Jones Family Kitchen, tucked away in Eccleston Yards, has been actively involved in many local events. Plus the kitchen has come up with great ideas to improve Eccleston Yards and also supported charities such as St Andrewâs Youth Club.
Old Friend
Winner: The Berkeley.
Pictured left to right: Andrew Smith from sponsor Child & Child, The Berkeley's Knut Wylde and Tamara Beckwith.
Commended: Vicki Sarge, jeweller.
Commended: Neill Strain, florist.
The Berkeley is led by general manager Knut Wylde, who has a wealth of experience in high-profile and luxury hotels across the world. He has used this knowledge to create the right balance of interests in the hotel, from hosting prestigious events to carol concerts.
Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Anton Mosimann, chef and restaurateur.
Pictured left to right: Richard McNaughton from sponsor The Peninsula, Anton Mosimann and Tamara Beckwith.
This special award goes to a person who has contributed significantly to the amenity of Belgravia.
Winner Anton Mosimann OBE is a renowned chef and restaurateur who opened Mosimannâs in 1988.
He has run the family business for over 30 years. He has also been the holder of a royal warrant by appointment to the Prince of Wales for catering services since 2000.
