The awards, which are now in their third year, recognise the “outstanding talents of menu development managers and group executive chefs in the multi-unit and chain restaurant sectors of the foodservice industry”.
A team of mystery diners and judges, with experience of multi unit menu operations, visited each venue nominated over the course of six weeks.
Jamie Petch of Ember Pub & Dining by M&B was given the best Branded Pub Restaurant award, while Paul Lewis of Prezzo walked away with the best Casual Dining Restaurant gong.
Nick Vadis, head of Compass Group, was presented with the Head of Food award.
All the winners were presented with a place on the Menu Innovation Network’s five-day research trip to Chicago in May.
The winners of the 2011 Menu Innovation and Development awards are:
Branded Pub Restaurant
Jamie Petch, Mitchells & Butlers for Ember Pub & Dining
Breakfast
Michael Pearson, Intercontinental Hotels
Casual Dining Restaurant
Paul Lewis, Prezzo
City Bar Dining
Ben Keggans, Orchid Group for Living Room
Coffee / Sandwich Shop
Fiona Cramp, Eat
Community Pub
Ben Jelley, Marston’s Inn and Taverns
Dessert
Simon Xavier, The Restaurant Group for Frankie & Benny’s
Fairtrade
Jane Wakeling, Compass Group
Head of Food
Nick Vadis, Compass Group
Instore Restaurant
Marianne Jones, WM Morrison Supermarkets
Kids
Nicola Arrow, Marston’s Inns and Taverns
New Concept
Jason Radbourn, Punch Taverns for Flaming Grill
Premium Pub Dining
Tim Marchant, Mitchells & Butlers for Village Pub & Kitchen
Premium Staff Dining
Peter Joyner, Elior UK for Linklaters
QSR
Louise Direito, Yum for KFC
Sport & Leisure
Andy Lowe, David Lloyd
Town & City Pub
Matthew Elsdon, JD Wetherspoon
Travel
Ian Brocklehurst, Welcome Break
Value Pub Restaurant
Graeme Warwick, Greene King for Hungry Horse
Workplace Catering Solution
Stephen Holder, Sodexo for Be