Meet the Host

WE SIT DOWN WITH IAN BURRELL, BAR MAGAZINE AWARDS 2024 OFFICIAL HOST, WHO TELLS US MORE ABOUT HIS INVOLVEMENT IN HOSPITALITY’S FRESHEST EVENT.

The BMAs are steadily approaching, with only six months left before the big day, and here at Bar Magazine HQ the excitement is building!

The 2024 awards will see hospitality leaders and professionals come together to celebrate the talent, passion, and dedication of individuals within the industry – and hosting the night, is the amazingly talented Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador and Founder of Rumfest.

Ian’s growth and rise within the hospitality industry is truly inspirational and he shows that with passion for your craft and hard work, the sky really is the limit. From creating the UK’s Rumfest to being named the World’s First Global Rum Ambassador, Ian’s contributions to the industry are exceptional, and justify just why he was voted the 10th most influential person in the 2020 Bar World’s Top 100. We couldn’t be prouder to have Ian as our host for the evening, and we think is he quite excited too!

Speaking about the 2024 Bar Magazine Awards, Ian explains: “I am definitely looking forward to getting involved and presenting the inaugural Bar Magazine Awards next January. The UK bar industry is one of the greatest in the world, employing some amazing people, so it’s only right that some of its stars are recognised during this new ceremony for their work, talent, and passion that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of stars.”

We hope you join Bar Magazine, our host Ian Burrell, and the other 200+ hospitality professionals for an inspirational night that celebrates the success of the industry.

INTERVIEW WITH THE HOST, IAN BURRELL…

As the host, what are you most looking forward to about the BMAs?

I am looking forward to seeing fellow industry individuals being acknowledged and rewarded for their hard work, by their peers.

What do the awards mean to you and how important are they for the industry?

Winning an award should never be the pinnacle for anyone in the industry ... you are still the same person before and after. But the awards are recognition for one’s work, and a timely reminder that others respect and relate to your personal journey towards success.

Why would you encourage bar owners, managers, and hospitality staff to apply for the awards?

There is a saying, ‘you’ve got to be in it, to win it’; and nothing is wrong with a little self-promotion. We all do this every time that we post on social media, so why should you not shout about how good you are, or how great your bar or restaurant is , by applying for an award?