Gerard Basset among hospitality stars on Queen's Birthday Honours list 2011
The Master of Wine, sommelier and owner of Hampshire hotel TerraVina, joined pastry chef Claire Clark, Botanic Inns managing director Stephen Magorrian and Masala World co-founder Namita Panjabi on the 2011 list.
Basset, who was awarded the Best Sommelier in the World title in 2010,said he had 'enormous pride' in his OBE. "I am indebted to many within the industry for their support, but not least my family who have stood by me as I indulged my ambitions," he said.
Speaking to BigHospitality, Basset's wife and business partner Nina, who nominated him for the award after he won the World Sommelier competition, said he was 'completely shocked and overwhelmed' by the messages of congratulations.
"He's had about 500 emails and is trying to work through them all to thank everyone. It's lovely that there's been such support from the industry," she said.
MBEs for hospitality
Clark, former pastry chef at the French Laundry in Napa Valley, Magorrian and Panjabi were all made MBE's for recognition of their 'services to hospitality'.
Magorrian, head of Botanic Inns, operator of 16 pubs, restaurants and hotels in and around Belfast, was also recognised for his dedication to the community in Northern Ireland.
Clark, who ran a pop-up patisserie at Harvey Nichols last year, after working at Thomas Keller's Californian restaurant, told BigHospitality last month that she was still planning to remain in the UK and open her own patisserie in London this year.
Panjabi runs the 10-strong Indian restaurant group Masala World with her husband Ranjit and sister Camellia Panjabi. She has worked in banking and is also a respected interior designer.
