The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
No glittering ceremony but stars shine just as brightly
The winners of the Menu Food and Drink Awards 2020 tell Caroline Lindsay what their awards mean to them
Although it was undoubtedly the right thing to do in light of the coronavirus concerns, everyone on The Courier team was very disappointed that the Menu Food and Drink Awards 2020 ceremony had to be cancelled.
However, it doesn’t diminish our category winners’ achievements.
In these four pages we’re celebrating our wonderful winners – all of who are evidence of the abundant passion, talent and overwhelming commitment to producing top quality food and drink across Courier Country.
Independent Coffee Shop of the Year
The winner is Wee Bear Café near Kirriemuir. Gareth Finn, who runs the café with wife Anne, said: “We’ve worked very hard over the last few years to create a community-style café, and it’s really nice that people think we’re deserving of the award.”
Street Vendor of the Year
Chiara Di-Ponio Horne of Mezzaluna mobile street van, which sells authentic Italian dishes, said of the win: “I totally didn’t expect that.
“Obviously it’s so lovely to be recognised, but I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of my family so a big thank you to them.”
Craft Beer/Cider of the Year
This went to Lost Orchards Cider. Co-founder Andrew Husband said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award and incredibly proud of our team and the growers who have put so much work and effort into creating our premium ciders, with provenance, sustainability and of course taste at our core.”
Producer of the Year
Summer Harvest Oils won this coveted award. Owner Mark Bush initially said he was “speechless” when he heard the news, but luckily managed to say a few more words. “I’m very, very proud of what my wife Maggie and I have done, and to be acknowledged against such strong competition shows the strength of what Scotland is doing at the moment,” he said.
“Congratulations to everyone on the shortlist. It was a tough category.”
Double honours
The Kinneuchar Inn is tucked away in the picturesque Fife village of Kilconquhar. Owned by Alethea Palmer and James Ferguson, it scooped two awards: Newcomer of the Year and Restaurant of the Year. “I’d like to thank all the team for all the hard work that makes a restaurant,” James said.
“We’re happy that people in the area have taken to this style of food. It’s true cooking from the heart.
“The long hours have been worth it. We’re pleased and honoured – and shocked – to have won both awards.”
Craft Distiller of the Year
This went to Darnley’s Gin. Brand manager Emma Hooper said: “We are delighted to have won the Craft Distiller of the Year award in The Courier’s Food and Drink Awards 2020.
“It’s been a great year so far for Darnley’s Gin, winning some awards for our gin in international competitions, and it’s amazing for the whole team at our Distillery and Gin School at Kingsbarns in Fife to have something else to toast.”
Food/Drink Destination of the Year
This is one of our exciting new categories, and the inaugural award went to Bowhouse on Balcaskie Estate.
Toby Anstruther is delighted and proud to have been recognised at the Menu Awards.
“When we opened the doors to our first Market Weekend back in 2017 we had no idea how many people would come along,” he said. “Since that time we’ve welcomed more than 100,000 people from across the country.
“Bowhouse has grown as a venue for markets, but is more than that. We have a growing community of producers based here, all working together to transform the local food and farming system delivering the best food to our community and beyond,” he added.
“This award is testament to the hard work of these producers and to Rosie Jack and her team at Bowhouse.”
Entrepreneur of the Year
This coveted award went to the tireless Praveen Kumar for his business Authentic Indian Cuisine.
“It’s just amazing to be recognised in a marketplace of such growth in the industry,” Praveen said.
“It’s a great achievement for the team and my wife, who keep me right all the time.”
Pub of the Year
A difficult choice, but the award went to the Kirkstyle Inn in the Perthshire village of Dunning.
Owner Jamie Harrison said: “I think this is one of the most important awards we could win for the local area.
“It’s a great honour because there are so many people doing great things in our industry.
“We’re so proud of our staff and our customers.”
Chef of the Year
This went to the celebrated, respected Martin Hollis, executive chef of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, who has also cooked the main courses at the Menu Awards over the past two years.
He was delighted to learn he had won this top honour.
“It is amazing to be recognised at the Menu Awards. Fife is one of the best places in the country to work in food and drink. I will continue to champion careers within the industry and, of course, the terrific ingredients that are produced in Fife.”
Cocktail & Wine Bar of the Year
Draffens in Dundee was the deserving winner. AJ McMenemy, area manager for Macmerry 300 Ltd, said: “It’s a pleasure to receive this award. It’s encouraging to know our dedication to the perfect experience is recognised.
“Given how heavily immersed we are in the development of our city’s scene we’re truly humbled to carry this accolade at Draffens.”
Judges’ Choice: Brand Ambassador of the Year
This went to Fiona Pollock of Ardross Farm Stall, who was chosen for her commitment to making Ardross a quality enterprise from start to finish, along with her generosity to the wider food and drink community and the greater community in general. She is a much-loved personality.
Fiona said: “As the awards were cancelled it was my daughter who told me I had won. I thought she was joking at first. What an accolade, I really can’t believe it.”
All that’s left to say is congratulations to all our fantastic winners and, of course, our highly commended finalists including Lorna McNee of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie; the Wine Press; the Whistle Stop; and Crafty Maltsters.
Thanks also to our headline sponsors SteamPunk Shopfitters and Fit Out Specialists. Darren Wilson, managing director of SteamPunk, said: “SteamPunk were ecstatic to have supported the Menu Food and Drink Menu Awards 2020. The talent, enthusiasm and entrepreneurship on exhibition was fantastic. Everyone should be very proud about their nominations and award wins.
“We are proud to have worked in partnership with DC Thomson and The Courier.”
And thanks, too, to our wonderful chefs, generous sponsors and supporters.
“What an accolade. I really can’t believe it.
FIONA POLLOCK