Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2016

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Contents title

Contents 4

Highlights from last year

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Outstanding Service

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A Warm Welcome from Alain Desenclos

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Living In Oxford Magazine Editor’s Choice

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A Warm Welcome from Hedges Law

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Belmond Le Manoir Award for Excellence

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How the Awards work

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Most Sustainable Restaurant

10

Tonight’s Cooks

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Best College Dining Room

Nominees

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Chef of the Year

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Best Asian Restaurant

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Public Vote

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Best Brasserie / Gastro Pub

24 Sponsors

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Best Gastronomic Restaurant

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15

Best Traditional Pub

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Best Express / Deli / Cafe

Helen & Douglas House

Timetable

Thank you to

6:00pm Laurent-Perrier Champagne Reception

Sponsors: Main Sponsor Hedges Law, ACDisco, Aldens Butchers, B4 Magazine, BeanBags Coffee, Belmond Le Manoir, Buzzworks, City of Oxford College, College & County, Complete Catering, Deliveroo, EasyPreOrders, GAF, Gatineau, Goldstar Recruitment, Good Food Oxford, Helen & Douglas House, House on the Hill, Isis Creative Framing, Laurent-Perrier, LeachPrint, Living in Oxford Magazine, Oxford Event Hire, Oxford Wine Company, Passion for Food, Rycotewood Furniture Oxford, Studio 8, The King’s Centre, The Oxford Kitchen, The White Hart at Fyfield, VOUCH, Wellers.

7:10pm Welcome 7:20pm Dinner starts 9:00pm Awards Ceremony 10:30pm Winners Photographs 10:45pm After Party 11:00pm Close Please note all timings are approximate

Tonight’s Awards • Best Traditional Pub • Best Gastronomic Restaurant • Best Express / Deli / Cafe • City of Oxford College Trainee Award • Best Brasserie / Gastro Pub • Best Asian Restaurant • Most Sustainable Restaurant • Award of Distinction • Best College Dining Room • Chef of the Year • The Living in Oxford Editor’s Choice Award • Outstanding Service Award • Public Vote • Belmond Le Manoir Award for Excellence • The 2016 Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year

Committee: Alain Desenclos, Daren Bowyer, David Gambier, Emma Gascoigne, Helen Brind, Jacquie Bugeja, Jacqui Thorndyke, Kevin Dudley, Rebecca Kashti, Sarah Wiseman, Kelly Gavaghan, Hannah Fenton, Alison Haill, Jo Willett, Nicola Poole, Mark Crampton-Smith.

The In Oxford Group: Sue Rosser, Colin Rosser, Lorna Dodson, Emma Davis, Rob Scotcher, Keith Simpson and Jess Kimber.

All restaurants who entered the Awards.

And also thanks to Helen & Douglas House and all of the businesses who have donated auction and raffle prizes for tonight.

A Big THANK YOU to City of Oxford College: A massive thank you to the students from City of Oxford College who have helped with everything from menu design to front and back of house and everything in between. Key staff involved in project: Catering - Thomas Clavier, Darren Blanks, Ruth Daykin; Front of House - Vanessa Field; Back of House support - Jonathan Jang. Thank you also to the following senior staff: Andy Slater, Helen Brind and Richard Peirson.

A final thank you to Tina Rosser for laying the foundations for the Awards in years one to four and giving us all such a wonderful template to carry on her great work.

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ON THE

7:00pm Call to dinner

HILL 3

Last Year

Highlights from last year The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2015

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Welcome

A Warm Welcome From Alain Desenclos - Committee Chairman

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 6th annual Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards.

The aim of the Awards has always been to raise the profile of Oxfordshire as a destination for those seeking great food and a wonderful food experience. We have certainly played our part in helping with this vision but we must do more, all of us.

Six years is a good opportunity to reflect and see what we can do to take this wonderful occasion to the next level - new Awards categories, more interaction and more involvement from the restaurants in preparing the meal this year and that is what we have done. Thank you to the restaurants and caterers who have supported the students from City of Oxford College, cooking and serving at the Awards for the third consecutive year, an even richer experience.

For tonight we must all enjoy the fruits of the hard work of those involved in giving us something to celebrate, from the chefs, to the front of house staff and to the kitchen staff.

Well done to all of you and good luck to those up for an Award tonight.

The Awards are something to be proud of and the team have improved the event year on year - I know just how much hard work goes into an event like this and preparation for tonight started the day after last year’s Awards. As soon as the restaurants have entered, a huge chain reaction of Follow us @oxrestawards and don’t forget to mention #oxra16

events takes place and it all happens like clockwork.

We really must take our hats off to the committe, the restaurants who entered, all of the sponsors and suppliers, the staff working here tonight and to the team at The In Oxford Group for once again putting on a stunning event.I have already mentioned them but thank you to the fabulous students from City of Oxford College, some of whom are experiencing their first live event this evening. I am sure they will all rise to the occasion and gain invaluable experience as they work towards a successful career in hospitality.

Please support every winner tonight, but, more importantly, continue to support Oxfordshire restaurants. Together we can continue to raise the profile of Oxfordshire restaurants and ensure we maintain the excellent variety and high standards throughout the county.

Good luck to everyone tonight!

Alain Desenclos Committee Chairman 5

Welcome

A Warm Welcome From our Main Sponsor With an increasing number of clients across the hospitality industry, we jumped at the opportunity to sponsor these exciting awards.

What a pleasure to be so closely involved with the recognition of the best our county has to offer in all that is mouth-watering!

Tonight’s event is testament both to the phenomenal calibre and to the proliferation of businesses involved in hospitality across our county.

Hospitality is a major pillar of the local economy and contributes to almost 10% of direct employment in the county.

on Trip Advisor alone! I am so looking forward to meeting the students catering team from City of Oxford College: ignore them at your peril as they may well be Michelin star holders of the future.

On behalf of Hedges, I wish the very best of luck to all of the finalists. At risk of a cliché, you are all winners: proudly flying the flag for the county and the industry in this, in our worldfamous beautiful county.

Have a great night!

Nicola Poole Managing Director, Hedges Law

108,000 reviews of over 1500 Oxfordshire restaurants can be found Here we are again! Year six and it only seems like yesterday that we were last here, but welcome to all of you and I hope you have a wonderful evening.

Like any great dish, an event like this can only work with vital ingredients working together. Fortunately we have built up an incredibly loyal group of sponsors over the past six years, now totalling thirty-one, many of whom are supporting the Awards for the sixth consecutive year. Special thanks to our main sponsor - Hedges Law, sponsoring the Awards for the 2nd year.

We must also highlight the massive involvement of Thomas Clavier, Vanessa Field, Andy Slater, Helen Brind and Richard Peirson at City of

Oxford College for their unwavering support in preparing for this year’s event and also their extended team encompassing in excess of 70 students working here tonight! A great experience for them and also for you. Thanks also to the restaurants who have entered this year, to all of you who have voted in the public vote and to our committee for their time in reviewing the restaurants.

Thank you also to our supporting restaurants and caterers for their time in making this year’s event one to remember: GAF, Gatineau, The Oxford Kitchen, The White Hart at Fyfield and Passion for Food.

Richard Rosser Chief Executive, The In Oxford Group

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Committee

How the Awards Work Enter, get reviewed and cross your fingers!

Every restaurant, pub, café and fast food outlet in Oxfordshire has been invited to enter the Awards. Each establishment is then reviewed by one member of the committee with their guest. Only at the end of the meal will the establishment know the reviewer’s identity! Each reviewer then submits their findings to the committee scoring the restaurant on key performance indicators, together with a four hundred word ‘experience’ review. The committee then meet to discuss the scores and agree on their nominations. The Public Vote is completely separate - just decided on public votes!

Nicola Poole

Daren Bowyer

Hannah Fenton

David Gambier

Managing Director, Hedges Law

Newbury & District Agricultural Society

Manager, Good Food Oxford

Great Experience Travel Group

Jacquie Bugeja

Emma Gascoigne

Rebecca Kashti

Sarah Wiseman

Oxforshire’s Registration and Coroner’s Service

Communications Manager, Chiltern Railways

Head of Oxford Office, Darbys Solicitors

Gallery Director, Sarah Wiseman Gallery

Kelly Gavaghan

Alison Haill

Kevin Dudley

Jacqui Thorndyke

Sales Manager, B4 Magazine

International Executive Coach, Oxford Professional Consulting

Executive Chef, Pembroke College

Editor, Bitten Oxford

Helen Brind

Mark Crampton-Smith

Jo Willett

Alain Desenclos

Head of External D & P, City of Oxford College

Director, College & County

Marketing & Bus Devt Director, Oxford Innovation Ltd

Committee Chairman, Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards

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Legal Advisors of choice to the Oxfordshire hospitality industry We have recently advised on: • Business services and employment law on the setting up of a local coffee shop company • The purchase of freehold licenced premises and a pub business • A dispute over restaurant ownership • The development and planning for a new Oxford City hotel • Lettings for restaurant franchises in a number of outlet villages.

“Hedges acted for us when we decided to give up our busy lives in the commuter belt and up sticks to run a hotel by the sea. They could not have been more helpful or amenable and even arranged to see us on a Saturday morning to ensure urgent paperwork was signed. They patiently took us through tricky legal matters in a way we could understand and helped us to stay calm in the face of hugely frustrating delays caused by the sellers and their lawyers.

However unexpected the issues that popped up, Hedges never seemed fazed by them and found ways to sort them out.”

Nick and Sue Rampton, The Sandrock Hotel

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Advice for life

For a free and no obligation legal health check of your business please contact us on 01865 594265 and quote ‘Restaurant Awards’

t 01865 594265

www.hedgeslaw.co.uk

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Article

Tonight’s Cooks Written by Emma Davis

The Awards are designed to celebrate the leading lights of Oxfordshire’s food and drink industry. Each year we have a fabulous range of chefs, hospitality and catering students and popular Oxfordshire restaurants support the Awards. This year we are joined by GAF, Gatineau, The White Hart at Fyfield, Thomas Clavier and his students from the City of Oxford College, Passion for Food and The Oxford Kitchen. The food is kindly supplied by Aldens.

GAF Providing the canapés for tonights event are GAF. The dishes served at GAF, which is located in Magdalen Road, are beautifully presented and unlock the taste buds that you didn’t know you had.

Once Oxfork, GAF offers a killer brunch by day but Oxford’s first Veggie and Vegan restaurant by night. These guys deserve success so make sure you get down to GAF and experience something special.

Gatineau Gatineau is our Bread Sponsor for this year’s event.

Situated in the upmarket Summertown area of Oxford, 10

Gatineau patisserie offers the finest artisan produce in the French/ European patisserie and boulangerie tradition: premium cakes, pastries, savouries and bread - all made with the highest quality ingredients, creative flair, taste combinations and attention to detail.

The Oxford Kitchen John Footman, Executive Chef from The Oxford Kitchen, will be providing our dessert.

Now recognised as one of the most exciting dining outlets in the city, The Oxford Kitchen’s reputation for fine modern British cuisine is built around John’s inspired creations, whose food has the critics talking...it’s all good! They offer a contemporary, intimate setting and friendly, attentive Follow us @oxrestawards and don’t forget to mention #oxra16

Article

“we are joined by GAF, The White Hart at Fyfield, Gatineau, City of Oxford College, Passion for Food and The Oxford Kitchen.”

service – ideal for savouring the exquisite flavour combinations of their à la carte and set menus.

Passion for Food Creating the vegetarian starter and main course for this evening are Passion for Food, using the freshest organic produce from Sandy Lane Farm in Tiddington. At Passion for Food the provenance of their food is key with local UK produce being used to create their seasonal menus.

Passion for Food provide fantastic event catering for wedding receptions, corporate gatherings, intimate dinners, Christmas parties and more. Passion for Food offers a simple, uncomplicated approach where everything revolves around their client.

Creating bespoke menus with fantastic flavours, your taste buds will definitely be tantalised!

Whether you are looking for a sumptuous 3 course dinner menu, a BBQ, hosting a canapé party, corporate lunch, or you fancy something a little bit different like a street food inspired wedding reception, you will not be disappointed.

October. The students put all of their training to the test by cooking a threecourse gourmet dinner for over 300 guests at the ceremony which took place at Oxford Town Hall.

City of Oxford College

Mark Chandler from The White Hart at Fyfield - winner of last year’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’ award, will be producing the starter for this evening’s meal.

For the third year running the students will be supporting the set-up, cooking and service at the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards. The main course will also be designed and prepared

by Thomas Clavier from the College.

The City of Oxford College have their own restaurant on campus, which serves paying customers, so each student receives direct, professional experience built in to their course.

Last year, City of Oxford Professional Chef Diploma students used their culinary skills for the 2015 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards held on Tuesday 6

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The White Hart at Fyfield

Mark and Kay Chandler’s beautiful country pub and restaurant is set in the picturesque village of Fyfield, just 7 miles from Oxford.

The White Hart has held two rosettes for culinary excellence for 8 years running and the quality of ingredients are at the heart of their ethos. Cooking is modern British and produce is sourced from local farms and suppliers, including The White Hart’s own kitchen garden.

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Nominees

Best Asian Restaurant Nominees

Thaikhun, Oxford Thai with friends for food and fun. Take your friends and family on a journey of over 6000 miles to our home country of Thailand. Educate, explore and share our passion through our handpicked bric-a-brac, fast paced environment, street style food and Thai inspired cocktails. Whether you have been to our country of Thailand or not reminisce and create new memories with Thaikhun. www.thaikhun.co.uk

Gurkha Village, Kidlington Situated in the heart of Oxfordshire. Gurkha Village Nepalese Restaurant offers mouth-watering Nepalese cuisine. The Gurkha Village Nepalese Restaurant is renowned throughout the Oxford area for its divine style and presentation of traditional Nepalese cuisine, this is achieved by paying special attention to every fine detail and only using the very finest ingredients. www.gurkhavillageoxford.com

Qumins, Oxford At Qumins we aim to provide an exciting new experience in fine Indian cuisine, blending traditional techniques with a modern twist. All of our products are made using the freshest, finest ingredients, and most importantly are cooked with love and passion for the Indian cuisine. With our unique menu we can guarantee that some of our specialities can only be tried and tested here at Qumins! www.qumins.co.uk

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Nominees

Best Brasserie / Gastro Pub Nominees

Quod, Oxford Accessed from the High Street and through a glass lobby, Quod restaurant with its terrace and bar, forms the hub of the Old Bank Hotel. Formerly a banking hall it was transformed by owner Jeremy Mogford to become Oxfords largest and most successful restaurant. Stylish, contemporary design describes the space which houses an amazing collection of young British art. Sandra Blow, Craigie Aitchinson and Gary Hume adorn the walls. There is a spectacular heated terrace where diners can enjoy a morning coffee, the superb value 2 course lunch or a cocktail. www.quod.co.uk

The Baskerville, Henley-on-Thames The Baskerville, Lower Shiplake remains a traditional village inn with a ‘proper’ bar, a delightful restaurant, four star accommodation, a beautiful garden and ambitions beyond our AA rosette. With Kevin Hannah and head chef Jamie Herridge at the helm, our outstanding customer service is matched only by our creative, seasonally changing menus.

Fresh, ethically and locally sourced produce lie at the heart of our modern but classically based dishes which offer a memorable experience. 2015 Beautiful South Awards Silver – Tourism Pub of the Year. www.thebaskerville.com

The Pointer, Brill The Pointer is a Pub, Butchers and Farm serving fantastic, seasonal and delicious food and drink to all who cross its threshold. Our Head Chef Mini Patel shares the Pointer’s passion and commitment to serving fantastic, seasonal British food and utilising local produce from our own farm and butchery. Since joining in December 2015, mini and his team are delighted to have been awarded three AA Rosettes and won the Good Pub Guide Buckinghamshire Pub of the Year 2016. www.thepointerbrill.co.uk

The Kingham Plough, Chipping Norton Located in the Oxfordshire village of Kingham, near Chipping Norton, the Kingham Plough has achieved a happy balance between a ‘proper’ pub and an exceptional dining room. Since opening in 2007, Chef Proprietor Emily Watkins, and her husband Miles Lampson, have followed their ethos that provenance is the key to great food and they continue to source only the best local ingredients, both for the kitchen and the bar. Having achieved their prestigious third Rosette last year, the Kingham Plough continues to be recommended by many. www.thekinghamplough.co.uk

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Nominees

Best Gastronomic Restaurant Nominees

Orwells, Henley-on-Thames Orwells is located in the rural location of Shiplake Row, Binfield Heath, just 5 minutes from the town centre of Henley on Thames and 10 minutes from Reading. Orwells is housed within an old 18th Century pub building, but far from a pub it is. It has a country atmosphere that boasts a contemporary feel. The style of food reflects the personality of the chefs, whilst the ethos is to be true to sustainability and the seasons, it has rural provenance with a modern approach. We are recognised for our commitment to a sustainable approach for the future and are also recognised by all major guides. www.orwellsatshiplake.co.uk

Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse, Henley-on-Thames Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse brings together fresh, modern British food, an unparalleled riverside setting, and an insistence on the very highest standards of service. The team at Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse have worked under the tutelage of some of the world’s finest chefs, in many of the world’s greatest restaurants. This knowledge and experience is interwoven with their youthful vibrancy, a determination to bring a creative and modern collection of ideas and flavours to the table. www.shaundickens.co.uk

Restaurant 56 at Sudbury House Hotel, Faringdon Restaurant 56 can be found in the beautifully restored and refurbished Grade 2 listed wing of the Sudbury House Hotel.

Situated in a beautiful corner of the Cotswolds in Faringdon, we can be easily reached from both Oxford and Swindon.

Our aim is to ensure our guests have a truly unique experience from beginning to end, with elegant and diverse dishes from our lunch, à la carte and tasting menus, created by Executive Head Chef, Andrew Scott. We offer a wide choice of dishes using mainly locally sourced ingredients. Peruse the delicious à la carte and tasting menus created by Executive Head Chef, Andrew Scott, using mainly local produce with additional refined twists. www.restaurant56.co.uk

The Lamb Inn, Burford Escape the fast pace of every day life with a visit to The Lamb Inn. Located along a peaceful side street in the historic market town of Burford, seize the opportunity to sink into a relaxing ambiance of pure bliss. We’re very lucky to be custodians of this delightful inn with the beautiful landscape of The Cotswold countryside right here on our doorstep.

The Lamb Inn is an institution with generation after generation of families succumbing to its charms. A genuine quintessential English inn with modern day comforts. www.lambinn-burford.co.uk 14

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Nominees

Best Traditional Pub Nominees

The Maytime Inn, Burford Found in the gorgeous village of Asthall, The Maytime Inn is a 17th-century coaching inn that has been extensively refurbished throughout since its purchase in 2012. Dominic & a cool young team run this rather posh pub, excellent food is sourced locally & freshly cooked by Head Chef Roger producing modern, seasonal, quintessentially British dishes.

As an independently owned free house drinks are taken seriously! Guests can choose from a selection of regularly changing guest ales, an ever-growing choice of gins (85 at last count), an innovative craft beer menu & an excellent choice of wines including fine wine by the glass. www.themaytime.com

The Killingworth Castle, Woodstock Serving the good people of Wootton since 1640, the true heart of the village. A traditional 17th Century inn, offering award winning food and drink, roaring open fires and a big warm welcome to all. Our award winning chefs produce mouthwatering magic, served day and night, that is lovingly created with only the finest local ingredients. The restaurant was also included in the Sunday Telegraph‘s 2013 list of top 500 eateries in the UK and was named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ 2013 and ‘Pub of the Year’ 2014 by the Oxford Times. www.thekillingworthcastle.com

The Swan at Ascott, Ascott under Wychwood Richard Haddon & Michiel Verkoren, deciding to take a break from careers in the theatre, re-opened this 17th Century Coaching Inn in July 2013. Michiel, a fully qualified chef, works alongside our Head Chef – Dean Collins. They have recently completed extensive renovation and development works including the creation of a new function room that was opened by The Prime Minister; The Rt. Hon. David Cameron on Saturday February 8th 2014, who stayed for lunch with his entire family. www.swanatascott.com

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Nominees

Best Express / Deli / Café Nominees

Aston Pottery Country Café, Aston Built in 2008 our Country Café provides a light and airy space in which people can meet friends and family whilst enjoying a wide selection of homemade fare from local suppliers. Each morning fresh batches of scones, cakes and biscuits are baked and placed on their own individual cake stands – a perfect compliment for a hot tea or coffee. Lunch starts at 12:00 with a whole range of food cooked that morning – from hot soups and pies to our famous deep quiches. It is our belief that a Country Café should be serving food which is uncomplicated but extremely tasty. www.astonpottery.co.uk

Mission Burrito, Oxford Our love affair with burritos started over a decade ago when we lived in San Francisco. We developed a border line burrito obsession in the Mission Districts taquerias. Unable to fuel our addiction back in the UK we quit our day jobs and set up Mission Burrito. Our goal is to create the kind of burrito stores we’d like to visit if we weren’t so busy running them. We’re committed to making ridiculously good burritos with fresh ingredients, from scratch every day. www.missionburrito.co.uk

Vaults and Garden Café, Oxford Housed in Oxford University’s Old Congregation House of 1320, the Vaults Cafe offers a delicious and healthy seasonal menu. When the weather is nice, our garden is one of the finest spots in Oxford to sit in, surrounded by architectural treasures, flowers and aromatic herbs. Hot water bottles & blankets are provided during the winter! www.thevaultsandgarden.com

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Nominees

Outstanding Service Nominees

La Cucina, Oxford We serve well priced robust portions cooked to order, using only finest produce from our open kitchen. The open kitchen allows customers to see chefs at work, tossing pizza and preparing daily specials from 11am to 10.30pm. The menu changes seasonally and caters to all – families and those looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in relaxed surroundings. Enjoy our authentic menu with daily specials or just pop in and sample a cup of our wonderful Italian coffee. www.lacucinaoxford.co.uk

Restaurant 56 at Sudbury House, Faringdon Restaurant 56 can be found in the beautifully restored and refurbished Grade 2 listed wing of the Sudbury House Hotel.

Situated in a beautiful corner of the Cotswolds in Faringdon, we can be easily reached from both Oxford and Swindon.

Our aim is to ensure our guests have a truly unique experience from beginning to end, with elegant and diverse dishes from our lunch, à la carte and tasting menus, created by Executive Head Chef, Andrew Scott. We offer a wide choice of dishes using mainly locally sourced ingredients. Peruse the delicious à la carte and tasting menus created by Executive Head Chef, Andrew Scott, using mainly local produce with additional refined twists. www.restaurant56.co.uk

Pierreponts Café & Restaurant, Goring-on-Thames Pierreponts is a café restaurant in Goring-on-Thames, serving fresh and locally sourced breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. Proprietors, Steph and Phil Kingsland, love great quality food and creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where wonderful quality food is served by a happy, knowledgeable team. Head Chef, Georges Delorme, creates a high quality selection of substantial, flavoursome dishes and brings his passion for fresh produce to the specials board. www.pierreponts.co.uk

The Chester, Oxford We’re a lovely traditional pub with modern values such as a good pub meal and a pint. We’re located perfectly in the tranquil area of Iffley with our very own beer garden. We’re proud of our friendly staff and service so why not come down and try one of our newly added classic ales. www.thechesteroxford.co.uk

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Nominees

Living In Oxford Magazine Editor’s Choice

GAF, Oxford Once Oxfork - NOW GAF. Still killer brunch by day but Oxford’s first Veggie and Vegan restaurant by night. Our dishes are beautifully presented and unlock the taste buds that you never knew you had. Make sure you get down to GAF and experience something special. www.facebook.com/GafOxford

Acanthus Restaurant, Oxford Acanthus at Macdonald Randolph Hotel, one of the newest restaurants in Oxford, is the perfect blend of contemporary city centre bistro combined with unique character and, of course, outstanding British cuisine. This new addition to the city retains many of the features that made it part of Oxford’s illustrious history. Diners can enjoy a mouth-watering seasonal menu and above all, a place to relax and enjoy company with friends and family, making it a popular choice with both visitors and locals. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/randolph

The Kingham Plough, Chipping Norton Located in the Oxfordshire village of Kingham, near Chipping Norton, the Kingham Plough has achieved a happy balance between a ‘proper’ pub and an exceptional dining room. Since opening in 2007, Chef Proprietor Emily Watkins, and her husband Miles Lampson, have followed their ethos that provenance is the key to great food and they continue to source only the best local ingredients, both for the kitchen and the bar. Having achieved their prestigious third Rosette last year, the Kingham Plough continues to be recommended by many. www.thekinghamplough.co.uk

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Nominees

Belmond Le Manoir Award for Excellence

The Bell at Hampton Poyle Opened in 2009, The Bell at Hampton Poyle is a delightful 9 bedroomed, independent, privately owned Boutique Hotel, Pub and Restaurant. The charm of this century’s old historic Pub has been complimented by the contemporary design of the restaurant. Flagstone floors, oak beams and large leather armchairs set the tone in this classic English Inn. We aim to provide exciting good value food at the Bell. Our open kitchen with it’s huge, wood-burning oven, allows the guests to watch a vibrant modern kitchen in action. Our Fish and Shellfish is simply grilled where appropriate and served with delicious butter sauces. All our meat comes from local producers. www.thebelloxford.co.uk

Old Parsonage Ranked as the best hotel in Oxford, the 17th century Old Parsonage is situated in the heart of this historic city at the end of the beautiful boulevard St Giles. The restaurant has an intimate, bohemian, clubby atmosphere, serving British classic dishes with a light, modern touch. Open every day of the year, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner & our famous afternoon teas in the company of Oxford’s academic & literary luminaries. Our kitchen uses the best produce, cooked simply to create classic British recipes. www.oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk

The Oxford Kitchen, Oxford Now recognised as one of the most exciting dining outlets in the city, The Oxford Kitchen’s reputation for fine modern British cuisine is built around the inspired creations of Executive Chef John Footman, whose food has the critics talking.

We offer you a contemporary, intimate setting and friendly, attentive service – ideal for savouring the exquisite flavour combinations of our à la carte and set menus. www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk

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Nominees

Most Sustainable Restaurant Nominees

The Partridge Inn The Partridge Inn is cosy and homely, with a lovely rustic feel. It has an excellent range of meat and vegetarian dishes making it easy to choose the vegetarian option. Sourcing is important, with a relationship with local suppliers which is “farmer first”. Food waste is not forgotten either. The team are great ambassadors for the ethos, and there are excellent connections with the local school. This is a place where good food matters. www.partridgeinnwallingford.co.uk

Vaults and Garden Café, Oxford Set in the Oxford University Church and gardens, this is a lovely venue with a great buzz. Despite being extremely busy, staff take time to explain the food on offer, much of which is vegan. Dishes are cooked in batches and takeaway is encouraged to reduce waste. The Vaults has a clear vision and “synergistic sourcing” policy, working with local organic farmers to take their on-farm surplus. This makes for dishes which are delicious, healthy and affordable. www.thevaultsandgarden.com

The Garden Café at Restore A beautiful oasis with a wonderfully kept garden for outdoor eating and a welcoming inside café area. This a social enterprise fully integrated with Restore’s mental health charity. The food is simple and good quality. It uses Oxford Food Bank’s supermarket surplus ingredients, does some excellent ethical sourcing, and uses its own produce from the Restore gardens and allotments. Other stand-out features are its solar panels and composting. www.restore.org.uk/restore/garden-cafe

This new category showcases restaurants working with the best fresh, locally-sourced and seasonal food the county has to offer. More than that, the award for the Most Sustainable Restaurant celebrates the restaurant that puts sustainability at the heart of its business – with a farmer-first approach to sourcing, delicious vegetarian options, excellent efforts on food waste reduction, and great communication with customers.

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Nominees

Best College Dining Room Nominees

St Antony’s College The Dining Room is a high-ceilinged spacious dining hall located on the first floor of a seventies style building. The room is available throughout term time and the vacation period and is suitable for a maximum of 200 guests for dining. Lunch and dinner are available in Hall daily except Saturday evening and Sunday, for most of the year. Meals are organised on a self-service system so no booking is required. A choice of dishes, usually including meat, fish and a vegetarian menu, is available in the Servery. Meal prices are modest and are subsidised by the College. www.sant.ox.ac.uk

Lady Margaret Hall The Dining Hall at LMH is an impressive setting for any occasion. The high, beamed ceiling, ranks of arched windows, wooden pannelling and portraits from past eras, all evoke the continuity and tradition of Oxford University. Once the tables are set for a banquet and the candles lit, food from our delicious fine dining menus is all that is needed to complete a memorable evening. The Hall can be hired for private occasions with guests served our fine dining menus by our waiting staff, but is also available for shared use. conference.lmh.ox.ac.uk

St Anne’s College The St. Anne’s dining experience is one of the best in Oxford. Our Head Chef Raymond Killick, was recently awarded the prestigious award of “Chef of the Year,” and our Second Chef, Andrew Castle, won the equally impressive award for the “Developing Chef of the Year.” Besides the regular term-time meals in our dining hall, the college also has an excellent formal and MCR dinners which are organised several times during the term. www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk

Wolfson College The Dining Hall is a large, flexible dining space at the heart of the College, seating up to 150 guests in a variety of layouts to suit your event. The newly-refurbished Gallery offers a social space alongside the Dining Hall for receptions.

The Dining Hall can be booked for dining only. The majority of College meals are served here, including breakfast, lunch and supper from the servery, and Formal Hall on Tuesday evenings, and Friday evenings in Full Term. www.wolfson.cam.ac.uk

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Nominees

Chef of the Year Nominees

Ryan Simpson and Liam Trotman, Orwells Ryan began a journey up the kitchen hierarchy via Restaurant Gordon Ramsey, Sketch, The Langham, Winteringham Fields and The Elephant that culminated in his first Head Chef role at The Goose, swiftly Followed by a Michelin Star only 18 months later. Ryan’s approach at Orwells is led by ingredients. Using a wealth of classic and modern techniques he always strives to make the best of what rural Britain can offer. Born and bred Scouser, Liam got his start as a chef in the famous 60 Hope Street before moving out of the city to work at Bovey Castle, Dartmoor before joining Ryan at The Goose in 2008. Liam has spent a lot of time perfecting the pastry at Orwells along with the bread. www.orwellsatshiplake.co.uk

Raymond Killick, St Anne’s College Raymond Killick, our Head Chef, is renowned for his quality and enormous success. Ray was recently awarded the prestigious award of Oxford Colleges’ ‘Head Chef of the Year’. The St. Anne’s dining experience is one of the best in Oxford. Besides the regular term-time meals in our dining hall, the college also has an excellent formal and MCR dinners which are organised several times during the term. www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk

Rohan Kashid, Quod Rohan Kashid has been practising his trade for over ten years. Rohan enjoys the adrenaline rush of a busy service; producing everything from dressed mixed leaves, to perfect grill marks on the fish and then finally bringing them all together on a plate. Rohan, our Head Chef, takes pleasure in all aspects of a professional kitchen and first joined us as a Sous Chef. Rohan feels that his skills have been developed throughly by the help of Mr. Jeremy Mogford, the owner of Quod. Jeremy has an extensive amount of experience as a hotelier and has taught Rohan much more about food than any Executive Chef he has worked with. www.quod.co.uk

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Nominees

Public Vote Nominees

Acanthus at the Randolph, Oxford

Thaikhun, Oxford Thai with friends for food and fun. Take your friends and family on a journey of over 6000 miles to our home country of Thailand. Educate, explore and share our passion through our handpicked bric-a-brac, fast paced environment, street style food and Thai inspired cocktails. Whether you have been to our country of Thailand or not reminisce and create new memories with Thaikhun. www.thaikhun.co.uk

The White Hart at Fyfield The White Hart has held two rosettes for culinary excellence for 8 years running and the quality of ingredients is at the heart of their ethos. Cooking is modern British and produce is sourced from local farms and suppliers, including the White Hart’s own kitchen garden. This not only ensures ingredients are fresh and seasonal but also supports the local community and reduces their carbon footprint. www.whitehart-fyfield.com

The Old Bookbinders Ale House The Old Bookbinders is a family-run pub sitting deep in the heart of Jericho shying away from the hustle and bustle of Walton Street. Re-opening its doors in 2011, the Sadones family manage to perfectly merge the service of wonderfully crafted, British real-ale and quality, French Bistro inspired food resulting in a place where anyone can come a feel comfortable. Our menu is limited, as we believe in the quality of dishes over the quantity, but it changes regularly so you won’t have to worry about being stuck with the same old dishes month in, month out. We serve food six days a week, keeping it simple in style and honest in price. www.oldbookbinders.co.uk

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Sponsors

Awards Sponsors

Thank you for your support MAIN SPONSOR - Hedges Law Hedges Law has been delivering legal solutions for over 225 years across Oxfordshire and beyond. As the legal advisor of choice to both individuals and their businesses, Hedges is small but perfectly formed! Their award winning reputation is founded on the delivery of bespoke legal solutions to their clients, always treating them as individuals and never just a case number. This is the place to go for a breath of legal fresh air. www.hedgeslaw.co.uk

City of Oxford College - Trainee Award Sponsor City of Oxford College is spread across two campuses in the county’s capital – itself worldrenowned as a centre of excellence for teaching and learning. The Oxpens Road campus benefits from excellent links with the West End of the city centre, providing high footfall for an increasing range of commercial outlets on campus. www.cityofoxford.ac.uk

Laurent-Perrier - Champagne Reception Sponsor Founded in 1812, Laurent-Perrier is recognised - throughout the world - as one of the finest of Champagne Houses. This success derives, first and foremost, from a clear determination to abide by long-established traditions: respect for nature and wine, dedication to quality, and strong and lasting relationships with all those associated with the company, within and without. www.laurentperrier.com

Isis Creative Framing - Framing Sponsor One of Oxford’s business success stories we continue to grow and diversify our product range. Heavy investment in new equipment has enabled us to offer volume output and fast turnarounds while maintaining our small company roots for personal, first-class service.

Offering Bespoke, Contract and Business Picture Framing as just a starting point - go to our website for more information. www.isiscreative.co.uk

Rycotewood Furniture Oxford - Trophy Sponsor Want to design? Make? Do both? Then follow a career pathway into furniture. Join us to train in professionally-equipped workshops, learn from a highly experienced teachers and get vocationally-relevant training. Our Rycotewood Furniture Centre has been highly respected in the industry for over 75 years. www.cityofoxford.ac.uk

Oxford Event Hire - Equipment Sponsor Oxford Event Hire was established in 2000 to provide catering equipment for a wealth of events. With a vast quantity of stock, we provide everything required for any function, including; tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, fridges, freezers, BBQs and hog roasters – even chocolate fountains, popcorn and candy floss machines! www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk

Aldens Butchers - Category Sponsor Established in 1793, Aldens Specialist catering butchers is a family owned business which has been supplying Universities, Hotels, Pubs and restaurants with fresh meat, game and poultry for over 215 years. While traditional butchery methods remain the same everything else has changed dramatically and more recently the focus has been on rigorous quality control and traceability. Aldens operate from a state of the art purpose premises in Oxford where we deliver up to 100 miles from Oxford through a fleet of Company owned vehicles. www.aldenoxford.co.uk 24

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Sponsors

ACDisco - Category Sponsor Respected suppliers of high quality audio, lighting and AV hire equipment for events. Based in Oxfordshire but covering the entire south east and midlands, we can help with anything from weddings and birthday parties through to club or band nights, charity events, fashion shows, festivals and events. www.acdisco.com

Gold Star Recruitment - Category Sponsor Goldstar is a local, specialist catering & hospitality recruitment agency based in Woodstock.

Our team of consultants have many years’ experience recruiting in this amazing industry across Oxfordshire, working in partnership with Michelin/AA rosette rated restaurants, gastro pubs, 4&5* hotels and contract caterers. We offer both temporary and permanent recruitment solutions and specialise in sourcing chefs of all levels, hospitality managers and events staff.

To find out more, please visit www.goldstarrecruit.co.uk or call us on 01993 225075.

College & County - Category Sponsor We’re a multiple Sunday Times award-winning lettings agent in Oxford and our main focus is treating you honestly and fairly, whether you’re a landlord or tenant. We believe in ethical lettings. This means no excessive renewal fees, reasonable and justifiable rates, and deposits returned in full where possible. www.collegeandcounty.biz

The King’s Centre - Venue Sponsor When it comes to planning an event in Oxford, nothing compares to The King’s Centre.

It is simply Oxford’s largest multipurpose venue, and is right in the heart of the city. Just a delightful 10 minute canalside walk from Oxford rail station, or 6 minutes from the city’s efficient and frequent Seacourt Park & Ride stop. www.kingscentre.co.uk

Gatineau - Bread Sponsor Situated in the upmarket Summertown area of Oxford, Gatineau patisserie offers the finest artisan produce in the French/ European patisserie and boulangerie tradition: premium cakes, pastries, savouries and bread - all made with the highest quality ingredients, creative flair, taste combinations and attention to detail. www.gatineau.uk.com

Complete Catering - Bar Sponsor Complete Catering is a full service events catering and management company based in Oxfordshire but servicing all of the south of the UK including London. With the ability to cater for events including weddings, corporate entertainment, parties and much more, you’ll be in safe hands leaving you to relax and enjoy your event. www.completecatering.co.uk

EasyPreOrders - Category Sponsor EasyPreOrders is an online PreOrder, PrePayment, and events management platform for groups and individuals. Born in the restaurant industry, we save time and money for venues and customers. PreOrdering, however, sits across many industries, so whether you are a restaurant, hotel group, conference centre, cruise line or multi-national airline, we have the solution for you. easypreorders.com

GAF - Canape Sponsor Once Oxfork - NOW GAF. Still killer brunch by day but Oxford’s first Veggie and Vegan restaurant by night. Our dishes are beautifully presented and unlock the taste buds that you never knew you had. Make sure you get down to GAF and experience something special. www.facebook.com/GafOxford Follow us @oxrestawards and don’t forget to mention #oxra16

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Sponsors

Wellers Accountants - Public Vote Sponsor Wellers has over 70 years experience advising organisations in the hospitality sector.

We have developed accounting solutions and advisory services to save you time, (by handling the time consuming compliance tasks on your behalf) and money (by planning and identifying opportunities and tax reliefs). Whether you’re opening your first venture, been around a while or looking to grow your small restaurant group, you will find Wellers a breath of fresh air. www.wellersaccountants.co.uk

Bean Bags - Coffee Sponsor Bean Bags Coffee is Oxfordshire’s premier supplier of speciality coffees for coffee shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants, public houses and educational sites. We have a unique relationship with our coffee roasters, enabling us to supply a wide range of ethically-sourced, sustainably -produced coffees to suit our customers’ individual needs. From light roast to dark roast, single origin to carefully selected blends, Fairtrade and organic, beans, filter, pods or decaffeinated, our range offers it all. www.beanbagscoffee.co.uk

Helen & Douglas House - Category Sponsor Helen House was the world’s first children’s hospice, set up in 1982 by Sister Frances Dominica to provide respite care to families with children suffering from life-limiting conditions. Douglas House was set up in 2004 and was the world’s first hospice built specifically for young adults. The Duchess of Cornwall is the charity’s patron. www.helenanddouglas.org.uk

Belmond Le Manoir - Award for Excellence Sponsor Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is renowned for offering one of Britain’s finest gastronomic experiences. Situated in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton, they have had 2 Michelin stars since they opened in 1984 and have held them ever since. We are truly blessed to have such an extraordinary establishment in our county. There is no better judge of our Award for Excellence. belmond.com/lemanoir

Oxford Wine Company - Category Sponsor Winner of ‘Best Wholesaler of the Year 2011/2012/2013/2014’ in the Harpers Wine & Spirit Top Merchant Awards, an unequalled four years in a row!, The Oxford Wine Company has a large number of highly trained staff including head wine buyer Marcia Waters, Master of Wine (the industry’s highest qualification). The company sources the majority of its wines direct, thus cutting out the middlemen, dealing with small, quality producers, whose products will not be found on the high street. The list is truly cosmopolitan and incorporates all the major wine producing countries of the world. www.oxfordwine.co.uk

Studio 8 - Category Sponsor Our corporate photography covers portraits, PR shots, interiors, products and more. We have a wide range of experience in producing high quality photographs on time. We have a large studio space, with plenty of free car parking to use. The studio can be hired for as long as required (with photographer – or for use on your own if agreed). Alternatively, if your project requires us to work on location we are happy to bring our services to you. www.s8.co.uk

Passion for Food - Vegetarian Starter & Main Passionate about bringing first class restaurant style food to event catering, Managing Director and Executive Chef Philip Baker and his team are experts in providing high-quality food and excellent service from start to finish. They are totally committed to making all occasions a complete success, with a strong attention to detail complimented by excellent co-ordination and event management. At Passion for Food the provenance of their food is key with local UK suppliers such as Sandy Lane Farm in Tiddington providing fresh organic produce. www.passion-for-food.co.uk 26

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Sponsors

Deliveroo - Category Sponsor Our mission is to bring the world’s local restaurants into everyone’s home or office – fast.

Deliveroo lets you order amazing food from the UK’s best-loved local restaurants who otherwise may not offer delivery. We work with hundreds of restaurants, including names like Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Carluccio’s, Pho, Busaba Eathai and many top quality independents to deliver their food to your home or office. Our customers are as passionate about great food as we are! www.deliveroo.co.uk

Buzzworks - Category Sponsor Buzz gets you noticed. Buzz builds awareness, brings new customers, launches new products, services and events and can influence opinion. The Buzzworks can create and implement your publicity campaign using the full set of PR and marketing communications tools. If you don’t want big agency prices, but do want the job done with integrity, tenacity and imagination, choose the buzzworks. www.thebuzzworks.co.uk

Living In Oxford Magazine - Official Media Partner Living In Oxford Magazine is a one stop shop for all that is great about Oxford. The latest listings for Theatre and Music events, plus the very best Restaurants, Bars and Hotel Listings.

Get reviewed and gain entry into The Living in Oxford Awards at Weston Library on 25th February 2015. Always be up to date with In Oxford. Visit www.inoxford.com

Good Food Oxford - Sustainability Sponsor Good Food Oxford is a network of over 130 businesses, charities, community groups and individuals, working together for a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system for Oxford. For restaurants, caterers and other food businesses we create links with local Oxfordshire suppliers to improve sustainability credentials and support the development of a unique and authentic offer to customers. www.goodfoodoxford.org/charter

The Oxford Kitchen - Dessert Now recognised as one of the most exciting dining outlets in the city, The Oxford Kitchen’s reputation for fine modern British cuisine is built around the inspired creations of Executive Chef John Footman, whose food has the critics talking. We offer you a contemporary, intimate setting and friendly, attentive service – ideal for savouring the exquisite flavour combinations of our à la carte and set menus. www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk

The White Hart Fyfield - Starter The White Hart has held two rosettes for culinary excellence for 8 years running and the quality of ingredients is at the heart of their ethos. Cooking is modern British and produce is sourced from local farms and suppliers, including the White Hart’s own kitchen garden. This not only ensures ingredients are fresh and seasonal but also supports the local community and reduces their carbon footprint. www.whitehart-fyfield.com

The designers behind the identity, programme and everything printed you see tonight.

House on the Hill also bring you B4 Magazine, Living in Oxford Magazine, The Laurent Perrier Oxfordshire Restaurant Guide as well as counting Oxford Castle Quarter, Bicester Vision, La Cucina and many more as clients. Need a fresh approach? Get in touch. www.hothdesign.co.uk

ON THE

House on the Hill - Official Design Partner HILL

LeachPrint - Print Sponsor LeachPrint, an Oxfordshire based printers, take away all of the stress and worry of print. You know the print is going to arrive on time. You know it’s going to look the part. You know there aren’t going to be any issues. LeachPrint give you worry-free print. www.leachprint.co.uk Follow us @oxrestawards and don’t forget to mention #oxra16

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Article

Helen & Douglas House Official Awards Charity

Jessica and her dad enjoying time together at Helen & Douglas House

Helen & Douglas House is delighted to be chosen as the beneficiary of the Restaurant Awards 2016.

As a local charity based in Oxford we rely on the support of our local community to provide care for seriously ill children and young adults with life-shortening conditions. We are currently supporting over 300 families locally – all thanks to you.

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Without events such as the Restaurant Awards we could not continue, so thank you to Richard and the team at The In Oxford Group for allowing us to hold an auction and raffle this evening.

You could be in with a chance to win our fabulous prizes, such as a; Trip to Euro Disney, Harley Davidson jackets and tickets to see Graham Norton.

Every £1 you donate tonight will go towards the £5million we must raise each year to provide our services to families in and around Oxfordshire.

Please dig deep!

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, we hope you have a wonderful evening.

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Laurent-Perrier chosen by

Michel Roux at Le Gavroche.

Illustrated by Quentin Blake

Photo credit: Iris Velghe / Illustrator credit: Quentin Blake

CUVÉE ROSÉ T H E U LT I M AT E

Apply for the 2017 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards at www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk Thank you for coming, we hope you had an enjoyable evening.