On the night
The wait is finally over for the thousands of voters who have been sending in their nominations over the past months for their favourite local eating and drinking establishments.
Restaurateurs, publicans and night clubs were honoured at the first annual Archant London food & drink awards on Monday 27 th June. Archant is the parent company of this paper and our 52 titles have joined together for the first time to reward excellence in the catering and leisure services.
Finalists sat down to a sumptuous High Tea at the high profile event at the old Samuel Whitbread Brewery in London. Dining in quintessentially English style with sandwiches, scones and dainty cakes served on tiered platters, the tables were turned as your favourite waiters, chefs and eating establishments sat down to be entertained in style with the Iain McKenzie Swing Band providing an elegant musical accompaniment. Host for the afternoon Antony Worral Thompson, star of Ready Steady cook and I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here paid tribute to the talents of the fifty finalists as he reminisced about his early career in Essex and praised the standards of our local catering and leisure industry.
The tension mounted as the finalists listened with baited breath for the winners and runners up to be announced. The Thatched House in Upminster, Essex was the delighted winner of the ‘ ESP’ Every Serve Perfect Award reflecting their stylish traditional pub which not only serves delicious home cooked food in a great atmosphere but is also welcoming to regulars and newcomers alike. The Runners Up, The Blue Boar Hungry Man Restaurant In Abridge were overjoyed with their accolade.
Outstanding Waiter/ Waitress Award was won by Kobir Miah of Bengal Spice of Holloway Road, N19 who was soon joined on stage by his colleagues as they received the People’s Choice award for the largest number of votes cast by the readers of Archant London newspaper group. The runners up in the category of People’s choice were Hache Burger Connoisseurs of Inverness St, London, NW1 with Top Meadow Golf Club’s Sayim Temerkan the delighted runner up in the waiter category “I can’t believe it. I’m just ecstatic” he told everyone who would listen. Moments later the Golf Club, based in North Ockendon received a winner’s trophy in the category of Excellence in Quality and Customer Care reflecting the effort they put into their catering on both golfing events and dinner and dance nights. Runners up Mas Tappas Bar in Upminster have quickly established a regular clientele in their contemporary setting with the emphasis on beautifully served food.
Chef of the Year, Franco Cellini of the Coach House Hotel in Romford was a popular choice with readers who have particularly praised his traditional Italian dishes with Lamb dishes receiving several mentions. Runner up James Webb of Ottolenghi in Upper Street, Islington received praise for innovative dishes with the use of organic vegetables noted by discerning voters.
Best Hotel was a fiercely fought category with runners up, The Coach House in Romford beaten only by the magnificent Sunborn Yacht which is moored at Docklands. With it’s unique style readers love the Sunborn. It offers the chance to experience the luxury of cruising without leaving London!
Next up the Family Friendly Award was a resounding success for the Harvester chain. With their emphasis on freshly prepared wholesome food The Unicorn in Main Road, Romford were delighted to receive recognition for their hard work in keeping the family well fed. Runners Up Mason’s Restaurant in Brentwood were equally thrilled to see that parents recognise the quality of food they serve in their delightful conservatory bar.
Best Themed Restaurant, Jailhouse Rock in South Woodford has long delighted locals with tribute nights and entertainment, Elvis really does still live in this popular 50’s style diner. Runner up Outback Steak House with their Aussie style steaks and lagers were also very highly recommended by readers.
Best Clubbing Experience was a closely run competition with Roger the Doctor of Faces at Gants Hill claiming the winner’s Trophy and Paul Christodoulou of Opium Lounge, Romford a gracious runner up.
The final award of the afternoon, Best Ethnic Experience was won by an ecstatic Solly Ahmed popular owner of the Bekash Tandoori Restaurant in Victoria Road, Romford. As a well known local character, Solly is always charming to his guests and the dining experience at the Bekash cannot be faulted. Runners up Spices of Emerson Park with their minimalist décor and beautifully presented dishes have quickly gained a reputation for excellence.
With the first annual Archant London Food & drink Awards over, a return to normality for our local winners means that we can enjoy our eating out experiences secure in the knowledge that standards are higher than ever and the competition between our local establishments means that eating out will continue to be an absolute pleasure.
The Food & Drink Awards is covered throughout the awards campaign in our following print titles plus their corresponding websites, which combined have a readership of over 1 million!
Kentish Times Group
Gravesend Reporter
Dartford Times
Bexley Times
Bromley Times
Post Newspapers
East London
East London Advertiser
Hackney Gazette
Stratford & Newham
Express
North London
Islington Gazette
Camden Gazette
Hornsey Journal
Tot, Wd Grn & Edm Journal
Muswell Hill Journal
North West London
Kilburn Times
Willesden & Brent Times
Wembley & Kingsbury Times
Hampstead
Ham and High
Ham High Broadway
Marylebone Express
Wood & Vale
Recorder