Sunnil Panjabi, at the Punch Tavern, in Fleet Street, has been shortlisted for the honour of UK Restaurant Manager of the Year. He joins five other finalists.
Run by the Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS), the competition aims to reward the best managers in the foodservice sector – whether fine-dining restaurants, gastropubs, high street dining operations, hotel restaurants or those run by contract caterers.
Dragon's Den
Nine managers made it to this year’s semi-final, where they underwent interviews from the panel of judges and were tested on their food, wine and service knowledge. They also presented a financial proposal for a hospitality business in a Dragon’s Den-style scenario.
The next stage of the competition involves, for the first time, members of the judging panel visiting the finalists in their own establishments to look at service standards and training.
The name of the winner will be announced at a gala dinner awards ceremony at London’s Roof Gardens, in Kensington, on 17 November.
The other finalists
- Amie Duncan, the Butchershop Bar & Grill, Glasgow
- Dace Lace, BAT Globe House, Temple, London
- Karen Lee, the Cavendish Hotel, Mayfair, London
- Ian Sturrock, The Arts Club, Mayfair, London
- Alper Zan, Café Rouge, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Tickets are available for the event are available from www.afws.co.uk.