Eat Out Awards 2017
November started with a bang as the Eat Out Awards celebrated the most exciting and innovative pubs and restaurants in the country. As the leading foodservice agency, Jellybean was in attendance with myself, Susan and Laura D. there to enjoy the evening, live tweet and enjoy taking a selfie or two – you can see what we got up to using the hashtag #EatOutAwards17.
Hosted by the brilliant Cyrus Todiwala – Chef Proprietor of Café Spice Namasté – and the Editor of Eat Out Magazine, Maria Bracken, the glittering event was held at The Freemasons’ Hall, London where 250 guests came together to recognise those companies committed to developing their teams, brands, menus and corporate social responsibility.
Cyrus proved a wonderfully entertaining host and the evening flew by with 15 winners awarded the coveted glass trophies. The Chickenisation trend shows no signs of slowing down with Nando’s crowned the Nation’s Favourite Restaurant Company and I was excited to see The Yummy Collection scooping two awards – The Wiremill Lakeside Pub near East Grinstead is a favourite haunt of mine.
The Special Achievement Award went to Ian Neill. Following a career in hospitality spanning forty plus years, Neil has played a key role in the success of some of the biggest brands in casual dining including PizzaExpress, Wagamama, Leon and Jamie’s Italian – as well as supporting the growth of smaller groups.
Here is a rundown of all the winners:
Best All Day Menu
KuPP
Best New Brand
Perkee
Best Use of Technology
Yummy Collection
Brand of the Year
Rosa’s Thai Café
Charity Initiative
Cosmo Restaurants
Employer of the Year
YO! Sushi
Green Award
King’s Head, Hursley
Group Operator of the Year
ETM Group
Healthy Eating Award
YO! Sushi
Hot Drinks Concept
Yumchaa
Independent Operator of the Year
Blackberry Grove
Marketing/Social Media
Pho
Menu Development Award
Olive Tree
Team of the Year
The Yummy Collection
Special Achievement Award
Ian Neill
A big thank you to Eat Out Magazine for inviting Jellybean along, it was wonderful to celebrate what is an exciting and dynamic industry I’m very proud to be a part of.