The Pub Food Awards 2005 ceremony, held at the Savoy in London last night, brought together the very best operators to celebrate food - the biggest sales growth area for UK pubs and bars.
The glittering event, hosted by TV comedian Dara O'Briain, saw 60 finalists from 15 categories gather to learn who had won the coveted awards.
The high level of skill, flair and commitment demonstrated by all the finalists served as a timely reminder of the vital importance of food to the pub sector.
Congratulation to all the winners, who were:
- Alfresco Dining Experience:
- Alison Carter, The Bay View Inn, Southampton
Dessert offering of the Year:
Sponsored by Macphie
Vincent and Helen Taylor, managers, The Fox and Hounds, Carthorpe, North Yorkshire
Newcomer of the Year:
Sponsored by Woodward Foodservice
Tom and Ben Kerridge, licensees, The Hand and Flowers, Marlow
Wine offering of the Year:
Sponsored by Blossom Hill
Joanne Fear, manager, The Crooked Billet, Oxon
Pub of the Year:
Sponsored by 3663
The Three Fishes, Blackburn
Best British Food
Joanne Fear, manager, The Crooked Billet, Oxon
Highly commended: Andy Morris, general manager, The Three Fishes, Blackburn,
Best Seafood:
Sponsored by Youngs
Mr Russell Allen, owner, Fountain Inn, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire
Retail Brand of the Year:
Ha Ha! Bar and Canteen
Chef of the Year:
Sponsored by Booker Cash and Carry
Claude Paillet, executive head chef, Bricklayers Arms, Flaunden, Herts
Highly commended: Thomas Rockliffe, head chef, Thomas Rigbys, Liverpool
Best Healthy Option:
Sponsored by Pacchini
Jane Mears, chef patron, The Ivy House, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire
Company of the Year:
Shepherd Neame
Innovation of the Year:
Sponsored by McCain
Nigel and Ysanne Williams, directors, The Spread Eagle, Sawley, Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
Food Champion of the Year:
Sponsored by Fresh Direct
Paul Drye, Catering Development Manager, St Austell Brewery Co Ltd
Best Beer and Food Experience:
Thomas Rockliffe, head chef, Thomas Rigbys, Liverpool
Sunday Lunch of the Year:
Sponsored by Big Tom
Richard and Jacqueline Macey, proprietors, The Fountain Inn, Stourbridge, West Midlands