A ‘who’s who’ of the hospitality industry gathered for the annual AA Hospitality Awards, hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, and not only saw Tom Kerridge receive the coveted AA Chefs’ Chef Award but also 22 establishments celebrate receiving recognition for outstanding excellence in their field. The evening also marked the launch of the new AA Food Service Award.
The AA Hospitality Awards are amongst the most prestigious national awards of their kind and draw 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.
AA Food Service Award
The newest of the AA Hospitality Awards, 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.
As well as the sought after awards the evening also saw the launch of the best-selling 2014 AA Lifestyle Guides which promote the AA’s range of assessed, recommended and quality-assured places to eat and stay throughout the UK and Ireland.
The 2013-14 AA Hospitality Award winners
AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year (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: Tom Kerridge
Originally from the West Country, Tom’s early career started in country house hotels and restaurants in Gloucestershire. After a spell in London working for well known chefs such as Phillip Britton, Steven Bull and Gary Rhodes, Tom moved to Norwich where he was Head Chef at Adlards before setting up the Hand and Flowers with his wife Beth.
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: Harry Murray MBE, Lucknam Park
As Managing Director from 1997 to 2010 and now Chairman of Lucknam Park, Harry has overseen the meteoric rise of this luxurious hotel to its current five AA Red Star and three AA Rosettes status.
AA Hotel of the Year
Winner, England : Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead
Winner, Wales : Llangoed Hall, Llyswen
Winner, Scotland : Cringletie House, Peebles
Winner, Northern Ireland : The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
Winner, London (sponsored by Brief Your Market): DUKES, London
AA Restaurant of the Year
Winner, England : The Artichoke, Amersham
Winner, Wales : Ye Olde Bulls Head, Beaumaris
Winner, Scotland : Ondine Restaurant, Edinburgh
Winner, London (sponsored by Food and Travel Magazine): Medlar, London
AA Wine Award (sponsored by Matthew Clark)
Winner, Scotland and Overall: The Witchery By The Castle, Edinburgh
Winner, England : Northcote, Llangho
Winner, Wales : Park House, Cardiff
AA Pub of the Year
Winner, England : Elveden Inn, Elveden
Winner, Wales : The Groes Inn, Conwy
Winner, Scotland : The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh
AA Small Hotel Group of the Year (sponsored by Beacon)
Winner: Red Carnation Hotels
AA Hotel Group of the Year (sponsored by D-ENERGi)
Winner: Macdonald Hotels
AA Eco Hotel and Eco Hotel Group of the Year
Winner, Eco Hotel: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Winner, Eco Hotel Group: Accor Hotels
AA Food Service Award (sponsored by People 1st)
Winner: The Waterside Inn