Imbibe and sponsor Champagne Louis Roederer have announced the Wine List of the Year 2013 winner: The Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford.
Now in its fourth year, Imbibe’s Wine List of the Year invites submissions from across the on-trade, and is judged by an experienced team of sommeliers, consultants and wine buyers. It sets out to reward those restaurants that are raising the bar in terms of creating a wine list that is strong in accuracy, design, navigation, innovation, practicality, tasting notes and personality. With over 250 entries in 11 categories for 2013, competition was fierce.
The Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford
A serial finalist in the competition, the Cherwell Boathouse has clinched the top spot for a list that, according to our judges, simply has no faults.
“It’s exciting, not overly long, it has personality but is never self-indulgent.”
Pushed to the front of the pack thanks to its consistency of value for money, Studio Alto’s Neil Bruce claimed it was, “unremittingly excellent.”
Champagne List of the Year – Bubbledogs, London and L’Etranger, London
For the first time, the judges were unable to choose one standout winner in this category, with two venues jointly winning the title.
“L’Etranger’s staggering selection of styles and formats from a range of great names makes it a fizz-lover’s paradise”, whereas Bubbledogs impressed the judges with its offerings by broad style, such as “Touch of spice” or “Fresh fruit bowl”.
This, combined with a super-clear layout and impressive consistency makes for a list which is “certainly very brave”, according to Neville Blech, author of the Top 100 UK Restaurant Wine Lists.
Country House Hotel List of the Year – Stratton’s, Norfolk
This 14 room hotel was considered a fantastic example of how to help non-expert guests make an informed wine selection.
“It’s obvious they’ve started with the food and worked backwards to choosing the wine, rather than the other way around,” said Imbibe editor Chris Losh. “It’s something that more restaurants could consider trying.” Our judges found the list compact, clear and superbly helpful.
More winners
Neighbourhood restaurant list of the year – Sam’s Brasserie, London
Group list of the year – Hakkasan Group
Sommelier’s award – Marcus Wareing at the Berkley, London and MASH London
Italian list of the year – Trullo, London
Spanish list of the year – Trangallan, London
Public attraction list of the year – Tate Modern, London
Large list of the year – Newman Street Tavern, London
Innovative wine list of the year – Bibigo, London
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