THE Cellar in Anstruther, The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and Unalome by Graeme Cheevers in Glasgow are among the Scottish businesses to have picked up trophies at last night’s AA Hospitality Awards in London.
The Cellar was crowned AA Restaurant of the year, Scotland, with The Balmoral named AA Hotel of the Year, Scotland. Unalome by Graeme Cheevers took the AA Wine Award for Scotland, with The Bonnie Badger in Gullane taking the AA Restaurant with Rooms Award, Scotland.
Four Scottish restaurants were also presented with new AA Rosettes.
Edinbane Lodge on the Isle of Skye and The Glenturret Lalique in Crieff both secured four Rosettes, with The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool and Haar in St Andrews awarded three Rosettes.
Cameron House on Loch Lomond was awarded five Red Stars for its accommodation.
Billy Boyter, chef and co-owner of The Cellar, said: “I’m not the type of chef that is driven by accolades or awards. However, having The Cellar named as the AA’s Restaurant of The Year for Scotland is an incredibly humbling and special moment. Especially when you look at the standard of some of the restaurants we have in Scotland now.
“I know this means a lot to all of the team. I could see how proud they were once I shared the news with them. And I know this means a lot to my parents. They have put as much into this restaurant as anyone. If it wasn’t for them The Cellar wouldn’t have even been here. They really do deserve it as much as anyone.”
Tom Kitchin, who owns The Bonnie Badger with wife Michaela, said the Restaurant with Rooms award is “a really proud achievement for our entire team”.
“Having been up and running for three years now, we have worked hard to lead the way in hospitality, offering an exceptional experience to our guests whether they are staying, dining, or visiting us at The Bonnie Badger,” said Kitchin.
“We are constantly evolving our menus and we believe our passion and commitment to working with the Scottish seasons really shines through in our menus and experiences on offer to our guests.
“We never sit still and we always strive to constantly innovate when it comes to the guest experience too, offering a calendar of immersive and exciting events and constantly improving every aspect of our guests’ journey.”
And Calum Montgomery, chef patron of Edinbane Lodge, said moving from three Rosettes to Four “is such an honour”.
“I’m so proud of our team and it’s a testament to how much hard work and passion every member of staff puts in each day at Edinbane Lodge,” said Montgomery.
