Scots hospitality businesses scoop food ‘Oscars’

HOTELS, restaurants and bars in Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews have been praised for their outstanding service and food at an awards ceremony in London dubbed the industry’s “Oscars”.

The Scran and Scallie, voted pub of the year Scotland, was launched by chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack two years ago. Picture: Contributed

The Scran and Scallie gastro pub in Edinburgh was named pub of the year Scotland at the AA Hospitality Awards 2015, and the Rufflets Country House Hotel in St Andrews was Scottish hotel of the year.

The ceremony took place at the Grosvenor in London, where winners received awards from newsreader Fiona Bruce.

Meanwhile, the title of Scottish restaurant of the year was awarded to The Gannet in Glasgow and the Scottish wine award was won by the Ubiquitous Chip in the city. Sarah Middlemas of the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews was named housekeeper of the year.

Edinburgh restaurant The Kitchin was also awarded five AA rosettes, the only restaurant in Scotland to hold the accolade – and only one of 12 in the UK. The Cellar in Anstruther and Cail Bruich Glasgow achieved three AA rosettes each.

Philippe Nublat, director of food and beverage at the Scran and Scallie, launched by chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack two years ago, said: “We’ve worked hard to prove that pub food can be done well. Our team has evolved, as have our menus but our passion for our From Nature to Plate ethos has remained and every menu we create showcases the very best seasonal produce we can get from our trusted suppliers.”

Mr Kitchin said: “Being named pub of the year Scotland for the Scran & Scallie, as well as being awarded five AA rosettes at The Kitchin is a massive honour for us.

“I’m really proud of our whole team.”

Simon Numphud, head of AA hotel services said: “It is great to see the continuing strength and depth in particular in Scottish food.”

All the winners will appear in the latest edition of the 2016 AA Hotel, Restaurant and Pub Guides, which were launched at the event.

WINNERS

Pub of the year Scotland: The Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh

Scottish hotel of the year: Rufflets Hotel, St Andrews

Scottish restaurant of the year: The Gannet, Glasgow

Scottish wine award: The Ubiquitous Chip, Glasgow

Housekeeper of the year: Sarah Middlemas of the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

Edinburgh restaurant The Kitchin was also awarded five AA rosettes, becoming the only restaurant in Scotland to hold the accolade – and one of only 12 in the UK.