Celebrating the cream of the crop at The Scotsman Food & Drink Awards
● Scotsman Food & Drink Awards highlight the country’s talent
The best and brightest of Scotland’s food and drink industry descended on Edinburgh last night for the inaugural Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.
From restaurants, chefs and farm shops through to city centre pubs and food writers, the accolades brought nationwide recognition for some of the industry’s most talented companies and individuals.
More than 200 people turned out for last night’s event at the capital’s Corn Exchange, which saw those in attendance enjoy a Scottish street food-themed meal before the prize-giving ceremony hosted by veteran broadcaster Stephen Jardine.
Glasgow-based Nico Simeone, whose Finnieston favourite, Six By Nico, has quickly won acclaim for its constantly evolving tasting menu, took home the Most Innovative Chef award. Members of the public, who voted for the Hidden Gem prize, chose Loch Arthur Creamery and Farm Shop – a community-led project and social enterprise in Dumfries – as their winner.
There was also recognition for Donnie Montgomery and Raymond Barnett, the duo behind Boys Eat Scotland, who have built up a dedicated online following thanks to their detailed and innovative restaurant reviews. They were named winners of the Most Dedicated Food Blogger award.
Prizes were given out across 13 categories. Other winners including the Galashiels-based Tempest Brew Co, IQ Chocolate in Stirling, Ardross Farm Shop in East Neuk, and The Big Feed – an indoor street food market in Glasgow that donates a portion of its income to local charities.
As well as hosting the event, Mr Jardine was part of a sixstrong judging panel tasked with assessing nominations received from around the country. The panel also included chef Mark Greenaway, food writer Sue Lawrence and Kirsty Black, head distiller at Arbikie Highland Estate.
Mr Jardine said: “Scotland is experiencing a food and drink revolution at the moment and this awards ceremony really reflected that.
“These people are at the fore- front of the changes taking place and these awards represent well-deserved recognition for all their hard work and enthusiasm.”
Camila Das Gupta of Social Bite, the event’s charity partner, said: “Social Bite are delighted to be the chosen charity partner for the Scotsman Food and Drink Awards 2017. This is a very innovative time for the charity with many upcoming projects, so the support we receive from the wider community is immeasurable. This is a wonderful way to merge our initiative with the importance of quality Scottish food and drink.”