The Yorkshire food industry gathered at Rudding Park in Harrogate to celebrate the best of the county
Our food and drink awards have been established for a very long time, so long I can’t say precisely how many years they have celebrated the success of the county’s hospitality industry.
But I do know that every year is special and our awards an acknowledgement of our admiration and support for the people behind the many excellent and innovative places to eat, drink and stay. Our judges with the help of readers’ nominations, attempt to reach every corner of Yorkshire, the biggest county in England, to ensure our awards are among the most comprehensive.
There are some very determined people out there who are working tirelessly to maintain Yorkshire’s reputation for fine food and drink and hospitality which helps to bring millions of visitors to the county every year. These awards champion their efforts and celebrate their successes and recognise their steely resolve.
The judges, experts in their own areas of food, drink and hospitality and with a passion for entertaining as I’ve ever known, have had as always, a difficult time reaching their decisions. But after months of deliberations and the search for top quality they have found contenders worthy of recognition for their talent, innovation and commitment to their customers.
Archant, our parent company, feels the same way and next year it launches a new initiative to support the very best of food and drink through all 22 of our magazines, the group’s newspapers, social media and websites across the country. The campaign called EAT will connect our many thousands of readers with all that is great in hospitality through the finest content, events and advertising. EAT will be a brand trusted by readers to discover the best places to eat, drink and stay and where to find the best in regional produce to cook well at home.
We celebrate with our awards’ lunch at Rudding Park, one of Harrogate’s leading hotels, because the food here is an example of all that is excellent in fine dining and in superb service.
We hope the food and drink and hospitality industries are encouraged by our celebrations and know that we do support them through good times and not so easy times.
I would like to say thank you to our team of judges whose expertise is second to none. Thanks too, to our sponsors and suppliers who have helped us make today’s event such a very special occasion.
Hotel of the Year in association with Hatfields Jaguar, Sheffield
Winner: Rudding Park, Harrogate
The judges said: ‘A winner of many awards, deservedly so, for its sense of occasion and in particular its unfailing commitment to customer care.’
Highly commended: Dakota Deluxe, Leeds; The Principal York, York
Traditional Pub of the Year in association with Taylor Foods, North East England
Winner: The George & Dragon, Richmond
The judges said: ‘A winner because we believe in the idea of community pubs and this one in particular is a fine example- a great welcome, selling simple food with really good modern beer.’
Highly commended: Ye Olde Black Boy, Hull; Foley’s Tap House, Leeds
Newcomer of the Year in association with Slingsby Gin, Harrogate
Winner: Tapasya, Hull
The judges said: ‘We welcome this original approach to fine Indian dining – a leading example of many good things coming out of Hull during its UK City of Culture year.’
Highly commended: The Rise, The Grand Hotel & Spa, York; The Whippet and Pickle, Holmfirth
Product of the Year in association with Rural Crafts
Winner: Yorkshire Oak Mayonnaise from Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, Malton
The judges said: ‘A real find, delicious and a must for every store cupboard.’
Highly commended: Mackenzies Smoked Trout, from Mackenzies Yorkshire Smokehouse, Blubberhouses; Mary Jane Pale Ale from Ilkley Brewery
Dining Pub of the Year in association with Sykes House Farm, Wetherby
Winner: The Alice Hawthorn Inn, Nun Monkton
The judges said: ‘A great experience, everything was fresh and delicious – a great Yorkshire business trading with great Yorkshire suppliers – it’s one to be proud of.’
Highly commended: Salute at White Swan, Rothwell; The Gray Ox, Liversedge
Independent Retailer of the Year in association with Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes
Winner: Campbell’s of Leyburn
The judges said: ‘A family-owned business which wowed the judges with its exceptional selection wines, spirits and beers not to mention its in-house bakery and pan-European choice of cheeses.’
Highly commended: The Courtyard Diary, Settle; The Jug & Bottle, Selby
Coffee Shop/Tea Room of the Year In association with Hospitality Action
Winner: Bean & Bud, Harrogate
The judges said: ‘Simply the best in coffee, consistently; hugely knowledgeable and helpful staff; no better place for coffee and conversation’
Highly commended: Dale Head Farm Tea Garden, Pickering; The Courtyard Tea Room, Womersley
Family Dining of the Year on association with Aga
Winner: Billy Bob’s Parlour, Bolton Abbey
The judges said: ‘A hands-down winner simply because of its wonderful sense of fun and adventure enjoyed by all ages.’
Highly commended: The Queen o’t’ Thatch, Leeds; The Balloon Tree, York
Restaurant of the Year in association with headline sponsor Lucia Wine Bar, Harrogate
Winner: Skosh, York
The judges said: ‘We were bowled over by this innovative, independent restaurant, they consistently produce extraordinary dishes.’
Highly commended: Rafters, Sheffield; Joro, Sheffield; The Fox and Hounds, Goldsborough
Outstanding Customer Service Award in association with Hallgarten Druitt
Winner: Marco Bernardi from Gianni’s Brio Restaurant and Pizzeria, Harrogate
The judges said: ‘Our winner has worked in the family business since leaving school and has a natural ability to make guest fell welcome as soon as they step through the door.
He knows his customers’ food and drink preferences. He has a bright, energetic and professional approach to customer service, consistently striving to provide the best restaurant experience.’
Chef of the Year in association with Total Foodservice
Winner: Tommy Banks, Black Swan, Oldstead
The judges said: ‘He is an inspiration for all young chefs. Hard work and love of growing everything he cooks have produced Michelin star excellence at the Black Swan, Oldstead plus he’s something of a TV star with winning dishes served at the final banquet of BBC’s Great British Menu not once but twice.
We love him not just because of his food but for his obvious delight and passion for the flavours only fresh ingredients offer.’
Food Hero of the Year in association with Alevere
Winner: Alison Dodd, Herbs Unlimited, Sand Hutton
The judges said: ‘A pioneer, among the first to answer the call for the finest fresh herbs. Our hero swapped the family restaurant kitchen for the growing fields of Ryedale at least 20 years ago and today her business, Herbs Unlimited, now works with the country’s leading restaurants and supplies farm shops and supermarkets with one of the widest ranges of fresh herbs, edible flowers and baby leaf salads.’
From the menu
Reception drinks
Carpene Malvolti Prosecco DOCG (Italy) supplied by Hallgarten Druitt
Gin cocktails supplied by Slingsby Gin
To start
Taylors Smoked Trout
Chive fish cake, mousse, watercress jelly, flaked beetroot, garden leaves
To continue
Sykes House Farm Yorkshire Lamb Rump
Crispy Rosemary and sea salt lamb breast, thyme fondant, peas, baby carrots
To finish
Taste of English Blueberries
Hill’s parfait, muffin, cheesecake, almond tart, milkshake
Taste of Wensleydale Cheese
Yorkshire Wensleydale; Kit Calvert Old-style Wensleydale; Wensleydale Blue; Wensleydale and Cranberry; Old Smoked Yorkshire Wensleydale
Tea and Coffee
Served with Whitaker Chocolates
