Categories

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

The judges will look for the coffee shop which is best able to create an outstanding customer experience – a warm welcome, high quality coffee and/or tea plus a range of other drinks, tasty food made from fresh, local produce, all served with an excellent level of customer service.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Style and experience

• Value/affordability

• Customer service

• Accessibility and facilities

• Quality of offering

STREET VENDOR OF THE YEAR

Good food on the go has become an important part of modern living and as such the demand for street food and impromptu pop-ups has never been greater. The judges will be looking for someone who’s bringing something unique to the table.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Innovative concept and product offering

• Vehicle/pop-up design and branding

• Use of local produce

• Customer service

• Overall presentation

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Highland Game

This venue should be the very best of Scottish hospitality and cuisine; displaying the use of fresh and local ingredients with flair, imagination and expertise. Diners will not hesitate to travel many miles for this dining experience.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• An exciting and innovative menu which stands out from competitors

• Emphasis on local produce or ingredients

• Extensive wine list or drinks menu

• Décor/ambience

• Customer Service

CHEF OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Sodexo

The Chef of the Year is someone who has devoted him or herself to the cause of serving the best possible food.

They will demonstrate technical ability, use of seasonal ingredients, an understanding of how flavours work together and a flair for presentation. Above all, we are looking for passion – that magic ingredient that defines true greatness in the kitchen.

Entries should come from all areas of the hospitality business, including hotels, restaurants and pubs.

• Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Chefs are invited to submit a menu consisting of three courses. The judges would like a description of the menu detailing:

• Concept

• Sourcing

• Balance

• Seasonality FARM TO FORK AWARD – FOOD & DRINK –

Sponsored by Food from Fife

Entries are welcome from producers of fruit, vegetable, eggs or meat. Judges are looking for individuals or businesses with the ability and vision to produce and market quality food and drink products in this region.

These are growers and producers who are passionate about what they do and who have the talent and skill to grow, develop and market an outstanding and commercially scalable food and drink product.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Brand concept and development

• Commitment to highest production standards

• Market penetration

• Commitment to sustainable practices in production

NEW TALENT (RISING STAR)

This category is open to anyone who works in the sector and is open to any person aged between 16 and 25 on December 31 2017 The judges are looking for someone who combines raw talent with real skill, passion and promise.

• Individual could either enter themselves or be nominated by an employer, colleague or mentor.

• Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Proof of contribution to the workplace

• Performance excellence

• Commitment to personal development and progression

• Passion for chosen path

NEW: BEST CRAFT BEER

This category is open to any independently owned business that can demonstrate success in the market.

Judges will be looking for a commitment to locally sourced products where possible; sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Consistent innovation

• Product placement in the market

• Commitment to the local supply chain

• Strategy for growth

NEW: BEST CRAFT DISTILLER

This category is open to any independently owned business that can demonstrate success in the market.

Judges will be looking for a commitment to locally sourced products where possible; sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Consistent innovation

• Product placement in the market

• Commitment to the local supply chain

• Strategy for growth

NEW: COCKTAIL BAR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Eden Mill

This category is open to independent or hotel bars.

Judges will be looking for a bar with a good ambience and knowledgeable staff who have a strong customer focus. Expertly made signature cocktails and a good knowledge of spirits are essential.

Entries will be judged by the following criteria:

• Depth of knowledge of drinks being served

• Commitment to customer service

• Signature cocktail

NEW: BEST NEWCOMER

A producer, a retailer or food/drink service outlet displaying excellence in the use of local food and drink products or a service provider making a significant contribution to the success of the sector. Judges will be looking for businesses that have great potential to further contribute to the local food and drink economy or enhance the perception of the region’s food and drink.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Successes to date

• First impressions

• Originality

CONSUMERS’ CHOICE – PUB OF THE YEAR

Nominees are accepted for fantastic pubs / pub restaurants across Courier Country which have created a distinct and high quality offering for their customers.

Common to all finalists will be great standards of customer service, an understanding of the market and a good range and standard of drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

The Pub of the Year shall also have a character and charm that makes a visit enjoyable and memorable.

• Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Courier readers will be invited to nominate in this category.

• The shortlist will consist of the pubs with the most popular votes and the judges choose the winner of this category.