AA ANNOUNCES WINNERS AT THE AA HOSPITALITY AWARDS
Pictured Nathan Outlaw winner of AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2014
The great and good of the country’s hospitality industry were out in force last night at the AA Hospitality Awards. Twenty four award winners were celebrating after being presented with their coveted titles at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London ’s Park Lane including a new award for this year, The AA Spirit Award.
Often referred to as the industry’s ‘Oscars’ the AA Hospitality Awards is a key date on everyone’s calendar – a rare time when major players in the Hospitality world can get together – and recognise the commitment to excellence that so many establishments and individuals strive to provide their guests. Drawing on the unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the AA inspectorate and other industry professionals involved in the judging process, winners are selected in recognition of excellence and success within their chosen category, having shown a significant improvement in the preceding 12 – 18 months and proving their dedication to raising industry standards and enhancing both their guest and diner experiences. From top hotels and restaurants to the best of British pubs the AA Hospitality Awards celebrate everything that is great in British hospitality. All the winners will appear in the latest edition of the 2015 AA Hotel, Restaurant and Pub Guides which were launched at the event.
Guests at the awards ceremony, hosted by Fiona Bruce, were treated to a sensational gourmet meal created by 2013 AA Chefs’ Chef, Tom Kerridge, as well as entertainment from Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Light Balance.
Last night’s winners include:
AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2014 (sponsored by Caterer.com)
A unique award that offers all AA Rosette-awarded chefs the chance to decide which of their peers deserves the ultimate recognition.
Winner: Nathan Outlaw
Nathan’s career has gone a long way from his childhood days buttering toast to help his chef father with breakfast service in Kent . With spells in London , Cornwall and Gloucestershire under some of the industry’s great names, Nathan’s love of seafood, and his West Country wife, brought him back to Cornwall opening his first restaurant at the age of 24. Nathan has become a firm fixture in the Cornish restaurant world, as well as on our TV screens and is now helping chefs of the future at the Academy Nathan Outlaw.
AA Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognises a lifetime commitment to the pursuit of perfection within their discipline. Along with the highest quality of service and standards, a track record of constant improvement and an unswerving dedication.
Winner: Ruth Rogers MBE
Over 25 years ago, Ruth Rogers, together with the late Rose Gray, started The River Café, inspired and influenced by their experience of living and cooking in Italy . With names like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver among her protégés and over a million cookery books sold, it is no wonder that Ruth Rogers’ name is synonymous with hearty rustic Italian cooking. The Italian influence came from her mother-in-law who opened her eyes to cooking and inspired her to use fresh seasonal ingredients. The River Café, over looking the River Thames in London and designed by Ruth’s husband architect Richard Rogers, has its own kitchen garden that is filled with Italian vegetables and herbs and stretches to the river bank.
Commenting on the award, Ruth said, ‘It is a great honour to be recognised for the work we all do at The River Café. I accept this award on behalf of my team and late partner Rose Gray.’
AA Hotel of the Year
Introduced in 1992, and awarded to hotels that are recognised as being outstanding examples in their particular market.
Winner, England (sponsored by Temple Spa ) – Dormy House, Broadway
Winner, Wales – Ynyshir Hall, Eglwys Fach
Winner, Scotland – Meldrum House Country Hotel, Aberdeen
Winner, London (sponsored by BriefYourMarket) – Rosewood London , London
Winner, Northern Ireland – The Bushmills Inn Hotel, Bushmills
AA Restaurant of the Year
While the standard of cuisine is at the very heart of the selection criteria for these awards, innovation, ambience, and hospitality are all part of the equation that determines the eventual winners.
Winner, England – Sticky Walnut, Chester
Winner, Wales – Bully’s, Cardiff
Winner, Scotland – Timberyard, Edinburgh
Winner, London (sponsored by Food & Travel Magazine) – Berners Tavern, London
AA Wine Award (sponsored by Matthew Clark)
Nominees are judged on the quality of their wine list and their ability to inspire customers to make wider and more adventurous choices.
Winner, England and Overall – The Queensberry Hotel, Bath
Winner, Wales – The Grove, Narbeth
Winner, Scotland – The Peat Inn, St Andrews
AA Pub of the Year
Combining the provision of enjoyable food, a great pub atmosphere, and a warm welcome with a high standard of management
Winner, England – The Pheasant, Gestingthorpe
Winner, Wales – Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd
Winner, Scotland – The Bridge Inn, Ratho
AA Small Hotel Group of the Year (sponsored by Beacon)
This award recognises the consistent dedication and development of a small hotel group in terms of improvement to service and operational standards. Eligible groups are assessed on quality of food and accommodation and efforts made to improve the overall guest experience.
Winner – Eden Hotel Collection
AA Hotel Group of the Year
A hugely prestigious award presented in recognition of the hotel group that has a proven track record of striving to ensure the very best levels of service, food and accommodation across the range of properties. Attention to detail is imperative and a committed and structured approach to future development is essential.
Winner – QHotels
AA Eco Hotel and Eco Hotel Group of the Year
These awards recognises a clear commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through good practice and policy to make a positive contribution to reducing impact on the environment
Winner, Eco Hotel (sponsored by D-ENERGi) – Waterton Park Hotel
Winner, Eco Hotel Group – Red Carnation Hotels
AA Food Service Award
Introduced last year, the AA Food Service Award recognises establishments who not only deliver excellent standards of restaurant service and hospitality but also have technical service skills, food and beverage knowledge of the highest standard and a clear commitment to staff training and development.
Winner – Galvin at Windows
AA Housekeeper of the Year Award (sponsored by Northmace & Hendon)
The award recognises outstanding commitment and performance, identifying a Housekeeper who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Winner – Geraldine Maursy – The Landmark
AA Spirit Award (sponsored by The Balvenie)
This award is new for 2014 and has been introduced to recognise the professional promotion, education and service of spirits in the hospitality industry.
Winner – The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
NOTES TO EDITORS
Details of all the award winners:-
AA Hotel of the Year
Winner, England (sponsored by Temple Spa ) – Dormy House, Broadway
Dormy House is a privately-owned hotel near Broadway in the picturesque Cotswolds. Originally a 17th Century farmhouse the hotel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment last year to completely transform and redesign the interiors to the highest standard and create a destination spa. The team at Dormy House set out to create refreshingly different, informal but attentive hospitality.
Andrew Grahame, CEO of Dormy House said, ‘This award recognises the achievements of so many people and it’s a fitting reward for everyone who has contributed to the project and worked so hard to create the new Dormy House. Our original aim to be a modern beacon of modern, relaxed hospitality in the Cotswolds, has struck a note with travellers far beyond our locality. Winning Hotel of the Year for England in the AA Hospitality Awards 2014-15 so soon after opening the new Dormy House Hotel and Spa is a dream come true. We would like to thank the AA for its support and recognition at this critical time in our evolution.’
Winner, Wales – Ynyshir Hall, Eglwys Fach
Ynyshir Hall is a charming house with a history going back to at least the 1500s. Previous owners have included Queen Victoria and William Mapin of Mapin and Webb silversmiths. A hotel since 1970, Ynyshire Hall has been run by artist Rob Reen and his wife Joan since 1989. With a brief period under the ownership of the von Essen group, Joan and Rob bought back the hotel in 2012 and this year are celebrating 25 years of being at Ynyshire Hall. The hotel today is the culmination of Joan and Rob’s vision with the whole style of décor, including many of Rob’s stunning paintings, the service and even the cuisine in tune with their own personal philosophy. Being small, but special, is rare these days and they believe they can offer a very personal service and take genuine care of guests.
Joan and Rob commented, ‘We are delighted to win such a prestigious accolade! After the trauma of the last few years, this is a triumph to establish that Ynyshir is firmly back on the map. It is just reward for our wonderful staff who worked above and beyond the call of duty to help us through the difficult times. It is also a wonderful way to celebrate our 25th Anniversary.’
Winner, Scotland – Meldrum House, Aberdeen
Meldrum House is a unique hotel and golf course located in stunning countryside near Aberdeen . Over the past four years the hotel has undergone a major refurbishment programme turning a tired three star hotel into one of the finest country house hotels in the country. The team at Meldrum House are committed to ensuring the hotel exceeds the customer expectations and becomes recognised as a shining example of Scottish hospitality.
Andy Burgess, Chief Executive at Meldrum House Estate, said: “To receive recognition from such a prestigious national award is huge testament to both our hotel owners, who have provided the foresight, vision and financial support to make our success possible; and to General Manager, Peter Walker, and his team on the ground whose energy, dedication and enthusiasm for delivering our vision has been outstanding.”
Winner, London (sponsored by BriefYourMarket) – Rosewood London , London
Just moments from London ’s Covent Garden , Rosewood London is the Capital’s newest ultra-luxury hotel. Combining English heritage with contemporary sophistication and maintaining many original architectural features including the original carriageway entrance to the grand inner courtyard, the hotel has the feel of a stylish London residence. The Grand Manor House Wing is the only suite in the world to have its very own postcode and provides residential style living in central London .
Michael Bonsor, Rosewood London Hotel Manager said, ‘We’d like to think we’ve been included in this prestigious list owing to the many elements of surprise and discovery found within Rosewood London. Rosewood London is conversational, intriguing and the design is quite unexpected – but it’s essentially modern and metropolitan while still keeping the essence of this heritage building that has graced London for the past century.’
Winner, Northern Ireland – The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills
Dating back to the early 1600s when the Coaching Inn was a favourite stop off for saddle sore visitors en route to the Giants Causeway, The Bushmills Inn Hotel has had an interesting and varied history. Today the fully renovated 41 roomed hotel epitomises the true spirit of Ulster hospitality, with friendly local staff and a myriad of thick walls, oak beams, real turf fires, a gas lit bar and lots of nooks and crannies.
Alan Dunlop, Managing Director of The Bushmills Inn Hotel said, ‘The AA award are amongst the most prestigious national awards and we are greatly humbled and honoured to have won the AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland this year. Even to have been nominated is an incredible honour, but to have won against such strong competition is amazing. I feel very proud to be recognised by industry professionals for the contribution the The Bushmills Inn has made to promoting tourism on the Causeway Coast . I would like to pay tribute to the enormous contribution made by the whole team at the hotel, without which, none of this would have been possible.’
AA Restaurant of the Year
While the standard of cuisine is at the very heart of the selection criteria for these awards, innovation, ambience, and hospitality are all part of the equation that determines the eventual winners.
Winner, England – Sticky Walnut, Chester
In the heart of Chester , Sticky Walnut is a welcoming neighbourhood bistro. Head Chef and owner Gary Usher has worked in many restaurants in the North of England and in London . He and his team now use top notch produce to put together imaginative dishes that do all of the ingredients proud.
Speaking of the award, Gary said, ‘Knowing how prestigious the award is, we still can’t believe it. Our efforts have remained consistent over the last three and a half years and it is an honour to be recognised for them.’
Winner, Wales – Bully’s, Cardiff
In 1996 Paul Bullimore opened Bullys Restaurant in Llandaff and was joined by son Russell in 2003. In 2009 Russell and his wife Vicky took over the restaurant and moved premises to Pontcanna, Cardiff . Russell has become well known for his quirky way of describing dishes to customers. Bullys prides itself on combining an intriguing atmosphere with excellent, interesting food. The mission is not only to have great tasting food, but to provide efficient and friendly service because customer satisfaction is paramount.
Russell said, ‘Winning such a prestigious award allows us to realise we have touched the hearts of our customers and makes us stronger with a desire to achieve much more.’
Winner, Scotland – Timberyard, Edinburgh
Timberyard is a truly family affair run by Andrew and Lisa Radford, eldest son Ben is the chef, Jo is in the bar and daughter Abi helping with all aspects of social median and photography. The family strongly believe in sourcing seasonal produce locally using the best ingredients at the peak of their growth. This thinking covers the kitchen and the bar where all the cordials and mixers are prepared on the premises using ingredients native to Scotland and Britain .
Jo Radford said of winning the award, ‘Fantastic, utterly delighted, a real team achievement.’
Winner, London (sponsored by Food & Travel Magazine) – Berners Tavern, London
Originally built in 1835 as five luxurious townhouses in the heart of Fitzrovia, the architecture at Berners Tavern still shows the Georgian hallmarks that characterise London ’s finest residences. The houses were combined to form the Berners Hotel in 1908. The team at Berners Tavern under chef Phil Carmichael, have worked so hard to make sure everything right from breakfast all the way through to the late night menu.
Berners Tavern Executive Chef, Jason Atherton said, ‘I couldn’t be happier right now for the team at Berners Tavern. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in such a competitive market and long may that continue.’
AA Wine Award (sponsored by Matthew Clark)
Nominees are judged on the quality of their wine list and their ability to inspire customers to make wider and more adventurous choices.
Winner, England and Overall – The Queensberry Hotel, Bath
The Olive Tree Restaurant at The Queensberry Hotel is on of Bath ’s longest established independent restaurants and has been servicing locals and visitors to Bath for over 25 years. Owners, Laurence and Helen Beere having been running the business for over a decade and have created a restaurant serving outstanding modern British food and great wines in an informal setting. The wine list had always been held in high regard but new Restaurant Manager Joss Roussanne has brought a fresh eye to the list and is constantly looking for interesting wines to accompany the tasting menu.
Laurence Beere said of the award, ‘We are delighted to receive recognition for all the hard work that the team has put in over the years. We have always prided ourselves on offering a varied and balanced wine selection and Joss has brought the finishing touches to the list with his passion for interesting and small suppliers that he introduces via our tasting menu.’
Winner, Wales – The Grove, Narbeth
The Grove was a derelict building just seven years ago and now it is a stunning five star Restaurant with Rooms with 3 AA Rosettes. In order to continue to improve a new experienced Sommelier Michal Dumnay has been brought in, this has seen the wine list be transformed as he has developed an exciting range of over 200 wines from a diverse cross section of wines and regions.
Owner Neil Kedward said, ‘ Wales is full of great places to eat fabulous food and drink world class wines. We are delighted to be part of a growing hospitality sector in Wales and excited about the future.’
Winner, Scotland – The Peat Inn, St Andrews
The Peat Inn is a former 18th Century coaching Inn near St Andrews . The team at The Peat Inn offer top quality ingredients from pioneering smaller providers whilst still offering value for money. The staff have been trained to encourage guests to expand their horizons and select wine they will enjoy from a producer or region new to them, this can be by the bottle or from their strong wine by the glass selection.
Chef Patron Geoffrey Smeddle said, ‘Our restaurant manager Ian Macrae works tirelessly to construct a wine list that is exciting yet still accessible and this award is national recognition of his success.’
AA Pub of the Year
Combining the provision of enjoyable food, a great pub atmosphere, and a warm welcome with a high standard of management
Winner, England – The Pheasant, Gestingthorpe
The Pheasant sits between Halstead and Sudbury amid rolling Suffolk countryside. Since 2006 owners James and Diana Donoghue have completely redecorated as well as undertaking building work to create five luxury en-suite bedrooms and a Smoke House. In 2011 they purchased an additional acre of land which, using James’ gardening expertise, they have transformed into a fruit and vegetable garden that supplies the restaurant. The Pheasant menu has evolved around traditional, freshly-prepared food, using their fresh garden produce as much as possible.
James and Diana said, ‘It is a great honour and a privilege to win this award. We are very pleased to receive such recognition for all of our hard work and gives us confidence to continue and develop our business further.’
Winner, Wales – Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd
The Bunch of Grapes has been in the same family for 30 years and has evolved to survive as the climate changes and has become a thriving gastro pub and real ale mecca that continues to develop and react to the changing market and the needs of people. The Bunch of Grapes of today is a far cry from it’s former back street boozer image from it’s days serving the nearby canal and chainworks. The introduction of an in-house delicatessen, cookery classes, tutored beer tastings, a beer academy and regular beer and food festivals have all helped establish this pub as the best in Wales .
Speaking of the award, owner Nick Otley said, ‘To be awarded this prestigious award is a pat on the back to the team for all the hard work they have, and continue to, put in at the Bunch of Grapes.’
Winner, Scotland – The Bridge Inn, Ratho
Whether it is summer barbeques on the terrace or winter evenings by the roaring fires the Bridge Inn in Ratho is the place to be. Overlooking the Union Canal , and even with its own canal barges, this is a truly unique pub offering the best of Scottish produce including home grown vegetables, herbs and saddleback pigs. Owners Graham and Rachel Bucknall have an unswerving commitment to customer service and believe that if guests are buying a pint at the Canal Bar or enjoying dinner in the restaurant they deserve the best experience possible.
Graham Bucknall said, ‘This is the industry Oscars and means a colossal amount. It is the most significant announcement since we bought the Bridge Inn four years ago and is vindication of our investment of both time and money, and entire strategy. To the team, it’s deserved recognition of the amazing job they all carry out on a daily basis and will give them enormous pride that their very own local is now an acclaimed AA Pub of the Year.’
AA Small Hotel Group of the Year (sponsored by Beacon)
Winner – Eden Hotel Collection
The Eden Hotel Collection has a portfolio of carefully chosen hotels each one offering unique qualities, from beautiful architecture and peaceful surrounding to outstanding food and the sense of total escape.
Mark Chambers, MD of Eden Hotel Collection, said ‘We are surprised and delighted to have won the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year Award. If anyone had asked me which award we would most like to win as a group it would have been this one. We are particularly thrilled to be recognised by such a prestigious establishment as the AA who know our industry inside and out. It simply makes the award much more valuable to us and we are incredibly proud of our achievement.’
AA Hotel Group of the Year
Winner – QHotels
QHotels is a UK hotel group operating 21 unique, four star provincial hotels throughout the country. The group was started in 2003 with just two hotels and over the past decade has continued to develop and build on the sound foundations that saw the QHotels win this award back in 2008.
QHotels MD, Michael Purtill said of the award, ‘To win the AA Hotel Group of the Year award for a second time in our short history is something I’m very proud of. The QHotels people, the whole team, are the secret to our continued success. Lots of brands claim to put the customer first but at QHotels this is the cornerstone of our culture. We are inspired by our customers, we listen and respond accordingly and it’s fantastic that our efforts have been recognised by the AA Awards.’
AA Eco Hotel and Eco Hotel Group of the Year
These awards recognises a clear commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through good practice and policy to make a positive contribution to reducing impact on the environment
Winner, Eco Hotel (sponsored by D-ENERGi) – The Waterton Park Hotel, Walton Hall
Walton Hall is the former home of Charles Waterton, a pioneering 19th Century traveller and naturalist who created the world’s first nature reserve by building a three mile, nine foot high wall around the estate. The hall, which, being on an island in a 26 acre lake, is accessed only by an iron bridge became a hotel in the 1970s. The team at Waterton Park Hall are committed to following Charles Waterton’s environmental legacy using 21st Century technology. This legacy includes the installation of a Geo Thermal heating system using the lake to provide all the hot water and heating for the hotel.
Debbie Taylor, Sales Director at The Waterton Park Hotel said, ‘We are absolutely delighted that our commitment to ensuring the future of this unique and historic hall has been recognised by the prestigious AA Awards.’
Winner, Eco Hotel Group – Red Carnation Hotels
The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is a family run collection of 17 award-winning boutique hotels in UK , Ireland , South Africa , Switzerland and the USA . Central to the core values of the collection is a keen awareness of the problems facing the environment and consequently they have instituted a Green Team to investigate and implement the ways they can tackle environmental issues. A great example is their new Living Wall at the Rubens Hotel in London which is packed with plants and flowers selected to not only be in bloom all year but also attract wildlife. In addition the wall’s design enables it to capture rainwater from the roof of the building in dedicated storage tanks and thus helps to reduce the risk of flooding in the Victoria area.
Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director of Red Carnation Hotels said, ‘All of our teams across each of our hotels put great efforts into their Green initiatives. Our wonderful Living Wall at the Rubens Hotel demonstrates our commitment to the environment and green issues, as does our work through our non-profit organisation TreadRight which is dedicated to sustainable tourism. We are extremely proud and honoured to have won the AA Eco Hotel Group of the Year Award.’
AA Food Service Award
Introduced last year, the AA Food Service Award recognises establishments who not only deliver excellent standards of restaurant service and hospitality but also have technical service skills, food and beverage knowledge of the highest standard and a clear commitment to staff training and development.
Winner – Galvin at Windows
Located on the 28th Floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane , Chris and Jeff Galvin have created one of London ’s most sought after dining destinations. With interiors evoking the golden age of the 1930s and outstanding views over the capital, dining at Galvin at Windows is a truly memorable experience. The team pride themselves on providing a service that guests will be left talking about for years to come.
General Manager at Galvin at Windows, Fred Sirieix said, ‘It is a great recognition and we are very proud to have won this wonderful award.’
AA Housekeeper of the Year Award (sponsored by Northmace & Hendon)
Winner – Geraldine Maursy – The Landmark
Geraldine has been with The Landmark for 13 years and leads a team of over 100 housekeeping staff. Geraldine knows everybody in the hotel by name and takes a genuine interest in their wellbeing. She creates a sense of family within the hotel, and engages with all our guests. She is always on call, and frequently calls in to the hotel on weekends to support the team. Geraldine has been influential in many decisions across the hotel group she currently works for, such as heading a taskforce dedicated to improving the amenties offered to our guests. Geraldine is very well respected within the industry, and has mentored and developed many individuals throughout her career. She often receives calls for advice from other Executive Housekeepers, and is an active member of the UKHA.
AA Spirit Award (sponsored by The Balvenie)
This award is new for 2014 and has been introduced to recognise the high quality and varied range offered by establishments.
Winner – The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
The former headquarters of the Ulster Bank was transformed in 2006 to become a luxury five star hotel. Further expansion in 2010 saw the introduction of a wealth of new facilities including a luxury spa, rooftop gym and a fabulous jazz bar. From the beginning the Cocktail Bar was a key consideration for the hotel, with the aim of establishing itself as one of the best cocktail bars in the world. This award winning cocktail bar, now under the management of Michael Patterson has certainly achieved its aim. With a strong focus on recruitment and training to ensure that their staff are highly capable mixologists, The Cocktail Bar has over 100 drinks on its list.
Gavin Caroll, General Manager at The Merchant Hotel said, ‘We are delighted to have won the first AA Spirit Award. We believe The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel offers a truly unique experience with perfectly poured drinks and outstanding service but to be recognised by the AA is such an honour. We are very proud of this achievement. It always means so much to the hotel and to our staff when we are recognised by our customers, the industry and our peers.’
