Mendes, whose most recent project is Mãos, in Shoreditch, was crowned Best Chef at the awards. He was described by the judging panel as a chef that ‘can do no wrong’.
Sabor, the restaurant from Nieves Barragan-Mohacho and José Etura, was named Best Breakthrough with The Fordwich Arms in Kent named Best Pub.
The awards, sponsored by Veuve Clicquot and which are now in their fifth year, and are based on nominations from GQ readers that are then put to a judging panel. Judges on this year’s panel included GQ editor Dylan Jones, Jason Atherton, Oliver Peyton and singer Sharleen Spiteri.
Other winners on the night included Andrew Wong, who was named Best Restaurateur; Hide, which took home the title of Best Restaurant; Gleneagles for Best Overall Experience; and Rosie Barclay at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, who was awarded the top spot in the Best Front of House category.
Jamie Oliver picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award from friend Gennaro Contaldo, with Jones saying: “To win GQ’s Lifetime Achievement Awards at just 43 is testament to how much Jamie Oliver has already accomplished.”
Mark Hix picked up the Verve Clicquot Innovator Award, presented to him by friend Tracey Emin.
The Corinthia London was named Best Hotel; Satan’s Whiskers in Bethnal Green Best Bar; and Best Sommelier was awarded to Matteo Montone at Berners Tavern.
Annabel’s in Mayfair was named Best Interior, with the judges describing it as 2,400 square metres of pure, unadulterated decadence’.
