Paul Kitching named best chef in Scotland
Kitching, who operates 21212 with business partner Katie O’Brien, was named Scotland’s top chef ahead of runners-up Brian Maule of Chardon d’Or in Glasgow, Kevin MacGillivray of the Barcelo Troon Marine Hotel and President of the Federation of Chefs Scotland, and Ian McAndrew of Blackaddie House Hotel at Sanquhar.
However the Restaurant of the Year award went to Glenapp Castle at Ballantrae in south Ayshire, described by judges as “one of the most sought after and prestigious of the categories”.
“There are many different disciplines in making a great restaurant: food, service, atmosphere, value for money, consistency and great people - not an easy combination to get right every day,” the judges said. “Glenapp ticks all those boxes. It prides itself on sourcing impeccable produce from local suppliers and showcasing them with intelligent and precise cooking.”
Runners up for the award were 63 Tay Street in Perth, Vallee Blanche in Glasgow and 21212.
The Restaurant Newcomer award went to Castle Terrace in Edinburgh, while The Oak Tree In on Loch Lomond was named Pub Restaurant of the Year.
Ronnie Clydesdale, owner of The Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow who died last year aged 74, was granted the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The winners of the 2011 CIS Excellence Awards are:
Chef of the Year
Winner: Paul Kitching, 21212, Edinburgh
Finalists: Brian Maule (Chardon d’Or, Glasgow), Kevin MacGillivray (Barcelo Troon Marine Hotel) and Ian McAndrew (Blackaddie House Hotel, Sanquhar)
Restaurant of the Year
Winner: The restaurant at Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae
Finalists: 63 Tay Street, Perth; 21212, Edinburgh; Vallee Blanche, Glasgow
Restaurant Newcomer of the Year
Winner: Castle Terrace Restaurant, Edinburgh
Finalists: Martin Wishart at Cameron House on Loch Lomond; Ondine, Edinburgh
Group Hotel
Winner: The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews
Finalists: Abode, Glasgow and The Balmoral, Edinburgh
Pub-Restaurant of the Year
Winner: Oak Tree, Loch Lomond
Finalists: Joseph Pearce, Edinburgh and Waterside Bistro, Haddington
Innovation in Training
Winner: Flow Hospitality Training, Edinburgh
Finalists: Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh
Contract Catering Chef
Winner: Neil Ross, ARAMARK Ltd
Finalists: David Ward, Sodexo and Billy Simpson, Inspire Catering
Independent Event-Caterer
Winner: Wilde Thyme, Comrie
Finalists: Appetite Direct, Edinburgh and Ginger Snap, Edinburgh
Excellence in Hospitality Education
Winner: David Auchie, South Lanarkshire College
Finalists: City of Glasgow College and Edinburgh's Telford College
The Healthier Scotland Award
Winner: Flourish House, Glasgow
Finalists: Compass for work at Eurest Services, Scottish Power; and ARAMARK for services at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
Sustainable Business Award
Winner: Ethical Shellfish Company, Mull
Finalists: the New Lanark Mill Hotel and Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ronnie Clydesdale (Posthumously)
