THE FIRST Wokingham nominee of a brand new award has spoken of his delight at being recognised.
Lam Benamara, who works at the Denmark Street restaurant Sanpa, has been nominated for the Front of House Award in this year’s inaugural Thames Valley Hospitality Awards.
Lam, who has only been at the restaurant since February, said he was ‘flattered’ to be nominated.
He said: “I was shocked when I found out I had been nominated, I had no idea.
“I treat every customer as if they are a friend, I think that is what people enjoy when they come out for a meal. They don’t want to be served by a robot, they want to interact with someone who has personality.
“That is what I love about Sanpa, I am allowed to be myself, which is great because I don’t think I can change!”
Lam was nominated by Paul Robertson, who said: “His flamboyant personality makes every visit extra special.”
Lam added: “I am really flattered, I come to work and I do my job and I almost don’t think about what I do, so it is really nice for someone to give me feedback and to nominate me for this award, it’s wonderful.”
The Thames Valley Hospitality Awards were launched last month to recognise the best of the best in the region’s hospitality sector, from hotels to restaurants and everything in between.
There is still time to nominate for your favourite from the following categories:
- Hotel of Year
- B&B/Guesthouse of Year
- Bar of Year
- Restaurant of Year
- Hotel Manager of Year
- Front-of- house Star
- Back-of- house Star
- Warm Welcome
- Best Breakfast
- Apprentice of Year
The nominations for the inaugural awards close in January.
The judges will then put forward a shortlist of nominees who will be invited to the gala dinner awards on Sunday, February 11, whey they will be wined and dined by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Galmiche, and entertained by actor and comedian Sam Rogers.
For more information and to nominate, visit www.tvhawards.co.uk.