Emma Williams of Green & Fortune has been crowned winner of the Wafflemeister Foundation’s Hospitality’s Got Talent 2026 following her performance of Tina Turner’s Simply the Best.
The hospitality industry came together at The Piano Works in Farringdon, London, on Tuesday 15 September for the annual fundraising event, which this year adopted a 1980s theme.
Seven hospitality professionals swapped their usual roles to perform on stage, with representatives from across the catering, restaurant, foodservice and charity sectors taking part.
The line-up comprised Maria Rocha of BM Caterers, Tom James of Bill’s, Naz Haq of Bidfood, Lili Stanzione of Blacklock, Emma Williams of Green & Fortune, Stuart Barnett of Dewberry Redpoint and Charlie Hodson of Hospitality Action.
Williams secured the 2026 title with her performance of Tina Turner’s Simply the Best.
The event is expected to raise approximately £20,000 once all donations have been received, with Bidfood supporting the evening as headline sponsor.
Funds raised will support the Wafflemeister Foundation, Hospitality Action and Natasha’s Foundation.
Williams said: “I’m not entirely sure what possessed me to think that dressing as Tina Turner and belting out Simply The Best in front of a room of hospitality colleagues was a good idea, but once the wig, heels and rather a lot of leather were on, there was no going back!
“I genuinely didn’t expect to win. The standard was brilliant and the whole night had this wonderfully bonkers 80s energy thanks to the Wafflemeister team.
“Hospitality is full of people with huge personalities who spend their careers creating experiences for others, so it was rather fabulous to see some of them get to take centre stage for once.
“After 25 years in hospitality I thought I’d explored most possible career paths. Apparently Tuna Turner tribute act could still be an option!”
Rikos Leong-Son, CEO of Wafflemeister, said: “Hospitality’s Got Talent is about giving the brilliant people in our industry the chance to step out from behind the scenes and show us another side of themselves.
“Emma was fantastic and a hugely deserving winner, but all seven acts really embraced the night and put on a great show.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who performed, attended, donated, sponsored and supported the event. To raise such a significant amount of money at the same time made the evening even more special.”
The Wafflemeister Foundation supports charitable causes and community initiatives through fundraising activities including Hospitality’s Got Talent.
Hospitality Action provides support to current and former hospitality workers facing challenging circumstances, while Natasha’s Foundation funds medical research and works to improve the lives of people living with food allergies through education and campaigning.