Kingdom in business of winning with hat-trick at leading awards

Excellence of restaurant and hotels recognised as Fife takes home three gongs at AA Hospitality Awards in London

Fife hotels and restaurants scored a hattrick of wins in one of the hospitality sector’s most prestigious awards ceremonies.

The AA Hospitality Awards, held in the Grosvenor House in London, saw The Newport Restaurant named Scotland Restaurant Of The Year.

The Old Course Hotel was named Scotland Hotel Of The Year, while The Fairmont St Andrews was named Eco Hotel Of The Year for its environmental initiatives, which include recycling soap and introducing two beehives to the hotel grounds.

The awards were presented by Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman.

Masterchef: The Professionals winner Jamie Scott, pictured above, chef patron at The Newport Restaurant, said: “This is a massive achievement for myself, my wife and our team. It is everything we could have hoped for and really confirmed for us that everyone’s hard work and determination in such a young business is paying off.

“A huge thank you to not only to our amazing team, but also our customers for getting us to this stage with their continued support.”

An AA inspector said of The Newport Restaurant: “Cheerful and enthusiastic service and a breezy contemporary decor make for a relaxed dining experience, while pin-sharp contemporary cooking from Scott and his team make it a hot ticket.”

Inspectors also praised The Old Course Hotel, saying: “The hotel has continued to develop under the ownership of Kohler, who have made major investment into refurbishing the bedrooms and creating a new spa.

“Rooms are a blend of classic and contemporary with elegance throughout.”

The Eco Award presented to The Fairmont Hotel recognises efforts to reduce the environmental impact of hotels.

Inspectors said: “Investment in the hotel through both a new building management system and new combined heat and power have led to significant reductions in electricity, gas and water.

“The hotel recycles approximately 250kg of bathroom soaps and hygiene products per month that are donated to humanitarian organisations through the Clean The World initiative.

“The hotel’s latest initiative saw the introduction of two beehives with dark native Scottish honey bees this summer.”

“A huge thank you to not only to our amazing team but also our customers for getting us to this stage with their continued support. JAMIE SCOTT