Time to get voting for Scotland’s Restaurant of the Year Awards
Ten Scottish eateries have made it into Uber Eats’ inaugural awards, all nominated by the public and all independent, finds Gaby Soutar
Food delivery service Uber Eats has announced the shortlist for Scotland as part of its inaugural Restaurant of the Year 2022 awards. The finals will be judged by experts including Prue Leith and Rachel Ama.
Out of the 88 UK and Ireland finalists, who are separated into nine regional categories, there are ten restaurants that have made it to the Scottish line-up.
These were all nominated by the public, and are all independents, with no Pizza Huts, Maccy D’s or Nando’s in sight.
“There are so many amazing independent restaurants on Uber Eats and the shortlist really demonstrates the vast amount of options and cuisines available across the UK and Ireland”, says Matthew Price, Uber Eats general manager. “I can’t wait to see the fantastic stories that are brought to light, try some of the best food available on our high streets up and down the country and recognise the pioneers and innovators shaping the future of our restaurant industry.”
In Edinburgh, they include the one-year-old Bundits of Leith, which serves bao buns from its Constitution Street restaurant and inspired huge queues during lockdown, as well as brisket, cornbread and baby back rib purveyors, Smiddy BBQ, and the more established Mexican restaurant, Bonnie Burrito.
There are also those with branches in Edinburgh as well as Glasgow. These include Bread Meats Bread, which recently opened a flagship on the capital’s North Bridge, and the classic venue that is Mother India – the great grandmother of the group, as it opened its first branch way back in 1990.
The west coast also has nominations for Malaysian restaurant, Julie’s Kopitiam, as well as Bucks Bar, which is
known for its hot fried chicken, plus Partick’s Crazy Wok and Japanese venue, Yippon Sushi.
Only one restaurant from outside the central belt is on the list. That’s SO…NYC Bagels and Brew, which offers a slice of the Big Apple on Aberdeen’s Union Street and specialises in bagels – including some vegan ones, like Central Perk, that are inspired by Friends – pizza, doughnuts and coffee.
Fans of these restaurants will have until June 16 to vote for their favourite. The winner of this stage will then, along with the top restaurant in each region, which includes Ireland and London, be entered into the finals of the competition. This involves heading to London to face a judging panel that includes author and presenter, The Great British Bake Off ’s Prue Leith; vegan chef and writer Rachel Ama and television chef, Joseph Denison Carey.
They’ll decide on the winner, who will be crowned Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year and receive the substantial prize of £100,000 to help build their business.
“Opening your own restaurant is desperately hard work, nerve-wracking and expensive. But there are few things as exciting and satisfying”, says Leith. “I’m delighted to work with Uber Eats to crown their first Restaurant of the Year and shine a light on some extraordinary people and restaurants. They are the future of the industry. I’m looking forward to discovering pioneers across the UK and Ireland and of course to eating some amazing food.”
ANDERSON Henry (Harry)
(Rosewell / Bonnyrigg) Unexpectedly but peacefully, on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Archview Lodge Nursing Home. Harry, devoted husband of the late Dorothy, dad of Katherine, brother, uncle and friend. A memorable character who will be missed by those who knew him. Service at Warriston Crematorium, Lorimer Chapel, Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 11 am, to which all are invited. No flowers please, but donations most welcome to Chest, Heart & Stroke or Alzheimer Research organisations.
BARRIE Valerie Anne (nee Jesson)
(Ettrick / Selkirk)
Died peacefully, on May 4, 2022, aged 81. Beloved wife of the late Walter Barrie, mother of Donald, James and Jocelyn, grandmother and servant of the community. Memorial service to be held at Ettrick Church, on Wednesday, May 18, at 2.30 pm, to which all are invited; bright colours may be worn.
BROCK Rachel
(Edinburgh)
On May 4, 2022, Rachel Elizabeth Brock, adored and adoring mother of Winter Grace, beloved daughter of Liz and the late Graham Brock and much loved sister of Jonathan and Andrew. Memorial service at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Edinburgh, on Thursday, May 19, at 2 pm.
BROWNLIE Alistair Rutherford
(Edinburgh)
Peacefully, at home, on Thursday, May 5, 2022, Alistair Rutherford Brownlie, SSC, OBE, aged 98. Beloved husband of the late Martha. Funeral service at Mortonhall Crematorium, Main Chapel, on Friday, May 27, at 11 am. Family flowers only, please.
BRUCE William Allenby (known as Bill)
(formerly of Seton Sands)
Sadly passed away aged 89 years, at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon. Loved and loving husband of Brenda and of the late Jean, father of William and Susan, stepfather of Kathryn and grandfather of five. The funeral has taken place in Swindon. Any donations in his memory would be greatly appreciated for Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust c/o Hillier Funeral Service, 170 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3DF, Enquiries, telephone 01793 522797.
CHEYNE Louie Stratton (née Murdoch)
(Murrayfield, Edinburgh) Peacefully, at home on May 7, 2022, Lou, loving wife of the late Jimmy, dearest twin sister of the late Ailsa Allison, much loved mother of David and Susie, granny to Alasdair, Emma, Blair and Lisa, greatgranny to Lachlan and mother-in-law to Carol and Ian. A private cremation service will be followed by a service of Thanksgiving at Murrayfield Parish Church, on Thursday, May 26, at 12.30 pm, to which all family and friends are invited. Lou respectfully requested that none of us wear black. Family flowers only, please. Collection for Marie Curie and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.
DEIGHTON Janet Hunter
(Edinburgh)
Peacefully, on April 26, 2022, at Lauder Lodge Care Home, Janet, beloved wife of the late Ian, much loved mother of Raymond, Joan and Hilary and loving grandmother and great-grandmother. A funeral service will be held at St Cuthbert’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Colinton, on May 19, at 1 pm, to which all friends are invited. This will be followed by a private committal at Mortonhall Crematorium, Pentland Chapel. Family flowers only please, but donations may be sent to the British Heart Foundation.
FINDLAY Marcus
(Angus)
Peacefully, on May 1, 2022, after a brave and determined battle with cancer, with family at his side. Much loved father and grandfather to the family, husband to the late Nicky, brother and friend to many. Funeral at Parkgrove Crematorium, on Friday, May 20, at 3.30 pm.
GIBB Wg Cdr Graham P. (retd)
(Fleet, Hants)
Passed away of natural causes on March 23, 2022, reuniting him with his wife of 61 years, Rosemary (Read), who passed six months earlier. Born August 7, 1933, Graham grew up in Edinburgh, attending George Herriot’s and becoming a scratch golfer. He had a long, successful career as a navigator in the RAF. Graham is survived by three daughters Jacqueline, Elizabeth and Alison, as well as four grandchildren.
GOLBY Roy Dennis
(Perth)
At Ninewells Hospital, on
May 2, 2022, aged 92, the dearly loved husband of the late Helene, beloved father of Nicholas and the late Jonathan, brother to Graham and father-in-law to Elizabeth. Service of celebration at Perth Crematorium, on Friday, May 27, at 3 pm, to which all family and friends are welcome. Family flowers only, please. Donations if desired can be given to RNLI.
HARROLD Flora
(Edinburgh)
Saturday, April 23, 2022. Widow of Bill Harrold, Edinburgh journalist and daughter of Mary and Ronald Pennett (Shepherd). Mother of David Harrold and grandmother of Kate and Sorley, brother of Ronald Pennett and sister of late Judy Aitken. All of them very much loved by Flora. Funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium, Pentland Chapel, at 11.30 am, on Friday, May 27 and afterwards to Toby Carvery near Mortonhall. All welcome for buffet lunch.
MCCORMICK Andrew Neill
(Newton Stewart and Dundee) Peacefully, at Craighead Care Home, Newport, on May 2, 2022. Neill, beloved husband of the late Marjorie and much loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Funeral and graveside service at Kilconquhar Church Cemetery, on Wednesday, May 18, at 1.30 pm, to which family and friends are invited. No flowers please.
MCLAREN Willie
(Netherton Farm, Blackford) Peacefully at Ruthven Towers
Care Home, Auchterarder, on Saturday, May 7, 2022, Willie, of Netherton Farm, Blackford, beloved husband of Cathy, much loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Funeral service at Blackford Parish Church, on Thursday, May 19, at 11 am, to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. Family flowers only, but donations in lieu if desired to Friends of St Margaret’s.
PORTEOUS Charles
(Mountcastle)
Peacefully, at home on April 25, 2022, Charles, much loved son of the late Betsy and Bob and beloved brother to Rodger, Irene and Faye. Charles is survived by Heather and Jordan. A service will be held at 2 pm, on Tuesday, May 17, at Warriston Crematorium, Lorimer Chapel.
THOMSON Margaretta Drummond (née Langlands)
(Edinburgh)
After a battle courageously fought, our dearest Marald died peacefully, on May 5, 2022, aged 89 years. Devoted wife, stepmum, Godmother and nana, and held in the highest esteem by all who knew her, she will be sorely missed by the many who loved her dearly. We are comforted in the knowledge that she is with her beloved Eric once more. All are warmly invited to attend her funeral service at Warriston Crematorium, Lorimer Chapel, on Friday, May 20, at 12 noon and immediately to the funeral tea thereafter. Family flowers only, donations to Marald’s chosen charity, the Dogs Trust. Live streaming is available for family and friends. Please visit: https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/ webcast-view Login Pin: 540-3676