Whitby Restaurateur Receives National Recognition at Women in Business Awards
Fish, chips, and a side of national recognition! Whitby restaurateur Lois Kirtlan of Hetty & Betty and creator of the famous Fish and Chips Afternoon Tea, has been Highly Commended in the Hospitality Industry category at the 2025 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS).
Lois Kirtlan, owner of Hetty & Betty, has been Highly Commended in the Hospitality Industry category at the 2025 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS).
Lois brought her 9-year-old daughter onto the stage on her birthday, prompting the entire Empress Ballroom to break into song, a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of celebration and inspiration at the EVAS.
Speaking after the awards, Lois said: “I am so proud to have been recognised by the EVAS, because they do an incredible job to support this generation of female business owners, but also to inspire the next generation too. As a mum, as well as a successful business owner, I want to show young girls everywhere that you can achieve your dreams.”
The judges praised Lois for transforming Hetty & Betty into a thriving destination restaurant, famous for its Fish and Chips Afternoon Tea and ranked in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide on TripAdvisor. With turnover growing by 859% in just six years, they described her recognition as a reflection of her vision and dedication. The competition in this category was so strong that the scores were incredibly close, and the judges felt Lois deserved to be commended.
This is Lois’s second time entering the EVAS. Having entered last year, she returned with even more energy and impact, impressing the judges with her progress.
Hetty & Betty is a multi award-winning, family-run restaurant and venue in Whitby, recognised since 2021 among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide on TripAdvisor. Lois’s recognition comes at a time when the hospitality industry has been under immense pressure, making her success all the more remarkable.
Lisa Brady of Perfect Recruitment, sponsors of the Hospitality Industry Award, said: “It’s always inspiring to see the passion, resilience, and success stories celebrated at the EVAS, a true showcase of the country’s outstanding female talent.”
Now in its 14th year, the Enterprise Vision Awards drew hundreds of guests and over £53.6bn business to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens to celebrate women entrepreneurs, leaders, and change makers across the UK.
With demand at an all-time high, #EVAS2026 will open at the Celebration of Excellence on October 16. Women from across the UK are invited to enter and share their stories, because every journey deserves to be seen, celebrated and supported.
For more information or to see the full list of winners visit https://www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk