The AA Hospitality Awards 2015-2016

A sumptuous evening of fine food, merry conversation and exciting atmosphere made for an excellent AA Hospitality Awards. Held at Grosvenor House in London this week, the evening included a menu crafted by Nathan Outlaw of four AA Rosette-awarded Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac.The event on Park Lane celebrated the success of individuals and companies across the hospitality industry, with the winners appearing in the 2016 AA Hotel, Restaurant and Pub Guides.Robin Hutson, executive chairman of the PIG chain, picked up the AA Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment and dedication to the hospitality industry. Daniel Clifford was named AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year and the AA Hotel of the Year award was split into five categories:

• London’s winner was Corinthia Hotel
• England’s winner was Taplow’s Cliveden
• St George’s Hotel in Llandudno was named the best hotel in Wales
• St Andrew’s Rufflets Country House picked up the Scottish award
• Winner of the best hotel in Northern Ireland was Galgorm Resort and Spa in Ballymena.

The AA Restaurant of the Year was in four categories: Glasgow’s The Gannet won the award in Scotland, London’s winner was Tredwell’s London, House of Tides in Newcastle Upon Tyne won England’s award and the Wales’ winner was Coast Restaurant in Saundersfoot.

The menu included a first course of seaweed cured salmon, cucumber chutney and horseradish yoghurt, second course of roast turbot, porthilly sauce, potato terrine and cabbage roll, followed by 3 year old Davidstow cheddar, with a doom bar and onion chutney. These delicious courses were finished off with a lemon ice cream, apple & blackberry jam with smoked almonds and meringues. The menu was matched with fine wines, Champagne and Balvenie Caribbean cask whiskey.Other winners on the night:AA Wine AwardEngland and Overall - The Sun Inn, DedhamWales - The Walnut Tree, AbergavennyScotland - Ubiquitous Chip, GlasgowAA Pub of the YearEngland - The Porch House, Stow-on-the-WoldWales - Kinmel Arms, AbergeleScotland - The Scran and Scallie, EdinburghAA Hotel Group of the YearWinner Brend HotelsAA Eco Hotel and Eco Hotel Group of the YearEco Hotel - The Savoy, LondonEco Hotel Group - Exclusive Hotels and VenuesAA Food Service AwardBelmond Le Manoir aux Quats’ SaisonsAA Housekeeper of the Year AwardSarah Middlemas, the Old Course hotel, St AndrewsAA Spirit AwardThe Churchill Bar and Terrace, London