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Contents 4

Highlights from last year

A Warm Welcome from Alain Desenclos

A Warm Welcome from Hedges Law

How the Awards work Nominees

Asian

Brasserie / Gastro Pub

Gastronomic Restaurant

Traditional Pub

Best Express / Deli / Cafe

Best Service

Living In Oxford Magazine Editor’s Choice

Belmond Le Manoir Award for Excellence

Sponsors

How the Menu was chosen

This Year’s Awards Trophies

Good Food Oxford

The Garden

The Oxford Wine Company

Passion for Food

Thank you to:

Tonight’s Awards

Sponsors: A&J Catering, Aldens, B4 Magazine, Beanbags, Belmond Le Manoir, Blueprint Imaging, British Red Cross, Cereta Drewett Photography, City Audio Visual, City of Oxford College, Cognac Frapin, Deliveroo, Gold Star Recruitment, Good Food Oxford, Hedges Law, House On the Hill Design, Isis Creative Framing, Laurent Perrier, Living in Oxford Magazine, NSF, Oxford Event Hire, Oxford Wine Company, OxUniPrint, Passion for Food, The Buzzworks, The Garden, The Oxford Bar Company, The R&R Collection, VOUCH, Wellers.

• Best Traditional Pub • Best Gastronomic Restaurant • Best Express / Deli / Cafe • City of Oxford College Trainee Award • Best Brasserie / Gastro Pub • Best Asian • Outstanding Contribution Award • Award of Distinction • The Living in Oxford Editor’s Choice Award • Best Service Award • Public Vote • Belmond Le Manoir Award for Excellence • The 2015 Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year

Committee: Alain Desenclos, Daren Bowyer, David Gambier, Emma Gascoigne, Helen Brind, Jacquie Bugeja, Kevin Dudley, Rebecca Kashti, Sarah Wiseman, Kelly Gavaghan, Hannah Talbott, Alison Haill, Jo Willett, Nicola Poole, Michelle Brachet, Louise Johnson. The In Oxford Group Staff: Sue Rosser, Colin Rosser, Lorna Dodson, Rob Scotcher, Keith Simpson, Emma Davis, Jess Kimber and Edward Rosser. All Restaurants: All restaurants who entered the Awards. And also thanks to Hannah Talbott and all businesses who have donated 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: Ian Francis, Peter Reynolds, Richard Peirson. Special thanks to Helen Brind (Head of External Development and Partnerships) for her hard work and support. 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.

Timetable 6:00pm Laurent-Perrier Reception 7:10pm Call to dinner 7:20pm Welcome 7:30pm Dinner starts 9:30pm Awards Ceremony 10:55pm Winners Photograph 11:00pm Close

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Last Year

Highlights from last year The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2014

Welcome

A Warm Welcome from Alain Desenclos - Committee Chairman

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 5th 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. Five 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. Watch this space. 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.

Thank you also to the fabulous students from City of Oxford College, some of whom are experiencing their first live event this evening. If the tasting event was anything to go by, 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!

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 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. Follow us @inoxfordawards and don’t forget to mention #oxra15

Alain Desenclos Committee Chairman

Welcome

A Warm Welcome from our main sponsor Hedges Law is one of the oldest law firms in the country, having provided legal advice in Oxfordshire for over 225 years. 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 mouthwatering! 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

Here we are again! Year five 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 five years, now totalling thirty, seven of whom are supporting the Awards for the fifth consecutive year. Special thanks to our main sponsor - Hedges Law. We must also highlight the massive involvement of Helen Brind, Richard Peirson, Thomas Clavier and Vanessa Field at City of Oxford College for their unwavering support in preparing for this year’s event and also their

county. 108,000 reviews of over 1500 Oxfordshire restaurants can be found 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

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. 2016 will see some changes and we welcome your input, whoever you may are. Please e-mail me at richard.rosser@theiogroup.net with your ideas for 2016. Cook-offs, new category ideas....I’m all ears! Richard Rosser Chief Executive, The In Oxford Group

Hannah Talbott: Co Presenter for tonight’s Awards Ceremony Hannah is the Conference & Accommodation Manager at Corpus Christi College and also a member of the Awards Committee. Having graduated from Oxford Brookes in 2005, Hannah has spent over 10 years working in the hospitality industry both within the UK and overseas in Germany, Italy and the USA. Hannah’s favourite restaurant that she reviewed this year? “I couldn’t possibly say!”

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

Michelle Brachet

David Gambier

Managing Director, Hedges Law

Newbury & District Agricultural Society

Award-winning Writer & Cognac Expert

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

Louise Johnson

Kevin Dudley

Hannah Talbott

Fleet and Business Manager, Ridgeway Jaguar

Co-Owner and Director, Burford Garden Company

Executive Chef, Pembroke College

Conference & Accommodation Manager, Corpus Christi College

Helen Brind

Alison Haill

Jo Willett

Alain Desenclos

Head of External Devt & P’ships, City of Oxford College

Oxford Professional Consulting

Marketing & Bus Devt Director, Oxford Innovation Ltd

Committee Chairman

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“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

Legal Advisors of choice to the Oxfordshire hospitality industry We have recently completed: • The setting up of a Thai restaurant in The Covered Market • The sale of a chain of household name franchise restaurants • The purchase of leasehold premises and a pub/nightclub business in Oxford city centre • The acquisition of a microbrewery and icecream production plant

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

Nominees

Asian

Nominees

Shanghai 30’s, Oxford In the 1930’s, Shanghai was called the ‘Paris of the Orient’. It was a city of shows, restaurants, clubs and gambling – certainly somewhere it was hard to feel lonely. People from all over the world were throwing themselves into Shanghai parties. It was these new immigrants who fuelled the fantastically opulent and innovative dinning culture in the town, a huge and varied range of different cuisines were being introduced to the city, while native food was being subsequently transformed into a taste and a style of west meets east in order to compete. Shanghai, was one of the melting pots of the gourmet world during the 1930’s. www.shanghai30s.com

The Snooty Mehmaan, Faringdon With an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian cuisine, the menu incorporates both traditional classic favourites and original new dishes that apply classic flavours with a modern twist. Located in Faringdon, Oxford and surrounded by the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. We are known for our Quality, Service, Comfort and Value… to this end we have tried to create a menu which is exciting and full in flavour. Using the best ingredients is our priority so that we may pass on great dishes with great flavours for you to enjoy. www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk

Yeti Nepalese, Oxford Yeti is your local dine out culinary venue in Oxford, where you will have fantastic atmosphere & great foods. We endeavour to offer wide and varied choices of the best Nepalese cuisines as well as classic Indian dishes. Traditional cuisines created in contemporary manner with emphasis of healthy eating. Our chefs will prepare each dish with fresh ingredients, low fat & significant reduction in-food colouring. Our chefs are renowned for their speciality dishes. If you want to have real taste of Nepalese & classic Indian dishes in Oxford, let our head chef prepare mouth watering foods for you. www.yetinepalese.co.uk

Nominees

Brasserie / Gastro Pub Nominees

The Castle at Edgehill Perched on the summit of Edgehill the stone tower overlooks the legendary battlefield and stunning landscape beyond. Inside, the pub offers a large bar with 4 main dining areas including the armoury bar, relaxed library and 2 dining rooms; terrace and restaurant boasting a panorama across several counties. Whether you wish to dine for a special occasion with family, perhaps a romantic meal watching the sun go down, or a bite to eat whilst walking the centenary or Macmillan way that passes the pub, we are sure to cater for all your requirements with a warm and friendly welcome from our team. www.castleatedgehill.co.uk

The White Hart at Fyfield The focus on our food is fresh, seasonal produce of the highest quality – a view which all of our suppliers share. Oxfordshire is full of outstanding produce and we make the most of it. We have created the sort of experience that we like when we go out to eat - quite simply this is superb food which makes the most of local produce, served by friendly professional staff, in a relaxed and beautiful setting. It is our personal touch and our passion for what we do, which makes dinner or even just a drink with us into an exceptional experience. www.whitehart-fyfield.com

The White Horse, Kings Sutton We are a friendly country pub at the heart of the village, offering the perfect pint and Great British pub classics freshly prepared with local ingredients. The White Horse is a picturesque stone building, set in perfect surroundings, overlooking the village green across to the Parish Church. Running our own pub gives us the chance to share our passion for food and drink. We believe in excellent service in a warm and relaxing environment. We would like you to feel at home in our home: you can come in for a quick pint at the bar, a lazy afternoon by the fire or a special occasion in the restaurant. www.whitehorseks.co.uk

The Quince Tree, Stonor Food and drink are the heart of The Quince Tree. Set in a beautiful location surrounded by great local producers, whether you are hungry for breakfast, coffee and a chat, a leisurely healthy lunch, afternoon tea, supper in the pub or a special celebration with private dining, it’s all available at The Quince Tree. Whatever the occasion:- a cosy pub lunch, coffee with friends, a celebration dinner or something quick to take home, it’s all here. No froth, no fuss, just great British food. www.thequincetree.com/stonor

Nominees

Gastronomic Restaurant Nominees

The Kingham Plough, Kingham Chef Proprietor Emily Watkins and Head Chef Ben Dulley work together to produce a truly exceptional menu; this is not your typical gastro-pub fare. Food at the Kingham Plough is inspirationally modern British and multi-award winning. The kitchen delivers an exciting take on English classics and everything is produced from scratch on site by their team of talented chefs. The emphasis is on celebrating local produce sourced in and around Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The abundant native ingredients are delivered daily and transformed into delicious dishes. The concise, regularly-changing menu is perfectly balanced offering game, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. www.thekinghamplough.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

Nominees

Traditional Pub Nominees

The Baskerville, Henley-on-Thames The Baskerville offers a memorable experience in a marvellous location with a perfect blend of traditional village pub, first class restaurant, where food really does matter and superb accommodation. The Baskerville’s cuisine is modern British with continental and eastern influences. All dishes are homemade, prepared from basic ingredients and cooked to order. Not only are they well balanced in their flavours and a delight on the eye, they are unpretentiously a testament to the creative talents, imagination and flair of our passionate brigade under Head Chef, Marc Price. thebaskerville.com

The General Eliott, Oxford The General Eliott (or GE), an established pub for over 200 years, takes its name from the late Sir George Augustus Eliott. Sitting at the end of the Devils Backbone, in the beautiful village of South Hinksey and overlooking the Oxford Spires the GE re-opened after 6 years, offers a good old fashioned pub ambience and has made a fantastic name for itself serving highly recommended pub food within a family friendly atmosphere. A free house pub certainly known for its beers and wines and staff who are friendly and inviting. The GE offers a menu to suit all tastes including a thoughtful selection of dishes for children, vegetarians and fish lovers. www.thege.co.uk

The White Hart, Minster Lovell Taken over in June of 2014 by Brian & Amanda Barker, we are a family run country pub with a beautiful varied menu designed by Head Chef, Thomas Curtis, and his number two, Jules Kirby. We are perfect for a one stop pit stop to refuel or a long leisurely evening at the dinner table. With a large selection of both bottled and draught beers, including some rather special British craft samples, we strive to keep the much sought after “pub feel” while offering a touch of class and sophistication with our snug country style dining room. www.thewhitehartminster.co.uk

Nominees

Best Express / Deli / Café Nominees

Aston Pottery Country Café, Aston 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. Wide selections of drinks are available to compliment the foods throughout the day, including our carefully selected coffee made from beans grown high in the mountains of Honduras. Along with a wide selection of foods that come out everyday, we have a rotation of daily specials across the week that can be seen on our menu. It is our belief that a Country Café should be serving food which is uncomplicated but extremely tasty. www.astonpottery.co.uk

Café Aloha, Oxford Whether you’re looking to grab a quick coffee and a bite to eat or a sit down meal with family and friends in both a comfortable and inviting environment. Cafe Aloha is your first choice for great tasting food freshly made to order. Wake up with Café Aloha and kick start your day with some tasty food and drink. Eat in or take away and enjoy our signature sandwiches, wraps and Panini’s. Come and experience Café Aloha at its finest for the perfect dining experience. Choose from our exciting menu of Antipasti, Sharing Platters, Stone Baked Pizza, something off the Grill or why not try our Catch of The Day. www.cafealoha.co.uk

Oxfork, Oxford Whether you are meeting up with colleagues or friends for brunch, celebrating a birthday or just running in to grab a coffee and a cake to go, you can expect a warm welcome, great service and very good, freshly prepared dishes, all at very good prices. Beginning as an underground supper club at Chloe’s house, word-spread quickly about the most fun, delicious and interesting evenings that Oxford had to offer. Soon pop-up restaurants followed until Oxfork took up its permanent residence on Magdalen Road. www.oxfork.co.uk

Nominees

Best Service Nominees

Malmaison, Oxford At Malmaison Oxford Brasserie we’re proud to serve classic dishes cooked to perfection. Our portions are always generous and our ingredients chosen for their quality, ensuring the best of the best. Enjoy meals passionately prepared by our chefs in a unique space at our Oxford restaurant - once the heart of the prison, and now a place that everyone fights to get into. The heart and soul of every Malmaison hotel, where iconic dishes are prepared with a modern twist and served with passion and personality, including sublime steaks, the awesome MalBurger, locally inspired blackboard specials and a mouth-watering wine list. www.malmaison.com

Nominees

Living In Oxford Magazine Editor’s Choice

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. Choose from our carefully compiled wine list or start your meal with one of our signature cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients. Our aim is to provide you with an exciting food experience, serving dishes with interesting tastes and textures in a friendly and informal way. www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk

Pierre Victoire, Oxford When we opened Pierre Victoire in 1996 we wanted to create somewhere for people to enjoy traditional French food, cooked properly by skilled chefs, in an informal environment at prices everyone can afford - the way they do in France. Today, we’re still doing just that - and we’re busier than ever! Our menus follow the seasons and the ingredients we use are fresh and sourced as locally as possible. www.pierrevictoire.co.uk

The Red Lion, Oxford Tucked behind George Street, in between Oxfords main theatres, The Oxford Play House and The New Theatre, The Red Lion Oxford holds the biggest and most beautiful beer garden in the City. Inside you will find cosy corners to escape the hustle of bustle of the shops and tourist attractions. Chef’s freshly prepared menus and our carefully selected wines, ales and beers are served all day every day. If you need any more help our friendly team will be happy to assist so give us a call on 01865 726255 or pop in and see us! www.redlionoxford.co.uk

Nominees

Le Manoir Award for Excellence Nominees

Andrew Hill - Head Chef at The Red Lion, Britwell Salome Andrew, who hailed from Swindon and then Thatcham, fell into chef work whilst studying A- level Maths and Physics. Working his way up the culinary tree, Andrews’s highlights were the team attaining a Michelin Star at The Vineyard at Stockcross, which for a young chef was an amazing experience. Andrew has been a chef for over 20 years and has formed great working relationships with a number of small suppliers including: Richard Bartlett’s salad leaves, Andrew North: Fishmonger, Vicars Game and Angela at the Undercroft. “We have created a pub that we would like to go to ourselves. It’s our job and passion to give our guests the best possible experience we can achieve.” says Andrew Hill. For Andrew cooking is as natural as breathing, and he loves what he does, as evident in the food he produces. www.theredlionbritwellsalome.co.uk

Mike North - Head Chef at The Nut Tree Inn Mike, after leaving school at 16, made a brief appearance in the building trade, before following his heart to the kitchen. Mike became one of the youngest Michelin-starred chefs in the country at the age of 25, while head chef of the Goose in Britwell Salome. Mike grew up in the area of Murcott and he’d always harboured dreams of owning The Nut Tree. In November 2006 he made it a reality when he and his fiancée Imogen bought the pub. Mike and Imogen are pleased to have been awarded a Michelin star for the seventh year running. Mike North’s skilful modern European cooking has turned the inn into a local foodie destination. Mike is without doubt a true talent of British cuisine, and is destined for even greater things in years to come. www.nuttreeinn.co.uk

The Mole Inn The Mole Inn is a beautiful country Pub & Restaurant set in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside just 5 miles from the historic and cultural city of Oxford. The Mole Inn’s proprietors are Gary & Jenny Witchalls who, together with their team of dedicated staff, offer a mix of fine food, great wines, real ales and relaxed service. Dine within our beautiful & cosy restaurant or, weather permitting, in our truly stunning gardens. A warm and friendly welcome awaits all who visit us. We offer several menus including a light snack lunch option, a full a la carte menu and our set price menu, which changes every week. www.moleinn.com

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

NSF - Trophy Sponsor The Rycotewood Furniture Centre has an international reputation as a centre of excellence in innovative furniture design and making. It is part of the National School of Furniture, a partnership with Bucks New University to offer furniture training from level 1 to level 8 (14 years to Doctorate). www.nationalschooloffurniture.com

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

Sponsors

City Audio Visual - AV Sponsor Oxford’s leading specialists in audio visual hire, sales, installation and live event support. From Projector hire and AV Support to installation of a bespoke audio visual presentation system, we pride ourselves in offering a quality driven professional service with a personal touch. www.cityav.co.uk

Gold Star Recruitment - Brasserie / Gastro Pub 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.

British Red Cross - Official Charity We are a volunteer-led humanitarian organisation that helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. We help vulnerable people in the UK and abroad prepare for, withstand and recover from emergencies in their own communities. There are hundreds of ways for you to get involved with our work. www.redcross.org.uk

Alden Oxford Ltd - Food Sponsor Founded in 1793, Aldens specialist catering butchers is a family run business that has been supplying universities, hotels, pubs and restaurants with beef, lamb, pork, game and poultry for over 225 years. Aldens operate from a state of the art BRC accredited premises in Oxford delivering daily to local and regional customers. Recent investment includes four dry age beef fridges which helps to produce the very best beef available and a development kitchen which offers butchery courses to general public and training days to existing customers. Please visit www.aldenoxford.co.uk / www.thebutcherskitchen.info or call 01865 728227 for more information.

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

Blueprint - Banner Sponsor Blueprint Imaging offers a comprehensive range of exhibition graphics, display services and photographic printing. Our full in-house facilities enable us to offer anything from desktop displays, to fully installed exhibitions. Based in Witney, our reliable and competitive service makes us first choice for all your exhibition, display and signage requirements. www.blueprintimaging.com

OxUniPrint - Print Sponsor Oxuniprint is one of the most forward thinking B2 commercial printing businesses in the area. We have a wealth of experience at producing a wide variety of high quality print. Based in Kidlington North Oxfordshire we are well suited to serve the county of Oxfordshire and the Home Counties. Oxuniprint are a non for profit organisation. All surplus / profit that is produced by Oxuniprint is gifted back to The University of Oxford to further education. www.oxuniprint.co.uk Follow us @inoxfordawards and don’t forget to mention #oxra15

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

Cognac Frapin - Cognac Sponsor Cognac Frapin is one of the most highly regarded family-run cognac houses, and it produces the finest quality cognacs from the Grande Champagne area of the Cognac region. Initially a family of winegrowers, the Frapin family have lived in Southwest France since 1270. Having diversified into distillation, they have maintained this tradition for a remarkable 20 generations. www.cognac-frapin.com

Cereta Drewett Photography Cereta Drewett Photography offers professional images for your business publications, website, events and corporate images. I would be delighted to discuss your individual requirements and ideas in order that I can provide a custom made solution that will also suit your budget. www.ceretadrewettphotography.co.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 - Wine 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

The Oxford Bar Company - Bar Sponsor The Oxford Bar Company supply mobile bars for any type of event and any venue. Our bars are fully installed, and are manned by our professional, experienced and friendly bar team. We offer a large range of products, including a range of draught bitters and lagers, spirits, wines, bottled beers, and soft drinks. We will also happily arrange any other item, for example champagne for toasts, or sherry – just request it and The Oxford Bar Company will provide it. www.theoxfordbarcompany.co.uk

Passion for Food - Canape Sponsor If you deliver exquisite dishes – beautifully prepared and served by people who really care – customers remember you and come back for more. So it won’t surprise you to know that we’ve built up an impressive list of loyal and repeat clients. Just recently, for example, we were asked to cater for a private wedding reception by the same family for the third time. Three daughters. Three weddings. Same caterer. That level of trust says far more about us than words ever can. www.passion-for-food.co.uk 20

Sponsors

Deliveroo 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

Vouch - Official Voucher Partner Vouch offer fantastic discounts across Oxfordshire, we sell great vouchers for restaurants, hotels, gyms, health & beauty treatments, shops etc... Log on to www.vouchoffers.co.uk for great deals and while your there, sign up for our great newsletter and be kept up to date with all the best offers! To get your business involved, please call us on 01865 742211. www.vouchoffers.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 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 Garden Oxford’s specialist stockist of beautiful, fresh, English-grown flowers. With florist shops in Oxford’s famous Covered Market, and in Headington, The Garden is well placed to deliver beautiful flowers in Oxford and throughout the surrounding area. As members of the E-florist relay network we are also able to arrange national and international deliveries. www.thegardenoxford.co.uk

A&J Catering At A&J Catering we pride ourselves on the quality of the food we serve, as well as our standards of food hygiene. We have been awarded 5 stars for our high standards in the ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme, which is run by the West Oxfordshire District Council. www.ajcatering.co.uk

House on the Hill 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 HILL

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How the menu was chosen Written by Helen Brind Development of the menu for the fifth Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards began in the early part of 2015, when hospitality and catering students at City of Oxford College were presented with the brief to design the awards dinner. Students devised a range of potential dishes, which were narrowed down in consultation with the college’s Chef Lecturing Team before going forward for a tasting event held at City of Oxford College in June. During the tasting event at the college’s Waterside Restaurant, students with the support of Thomas Clavier, Chef/Lecturer prepared and served each dish to a panel of 40 guests who were asked to provide feedback. Guests voted for their favourite dishes and the winning dishes are being cooked and served by City of Oxford College students tonight at the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards. This project has been a fantastic opportunity for students to respond to a live brief and prepare food for a prestigious, high profile event attended by leading industry figures. The dishes have been balanced to complement each other whilst maintaining elements of local produce, seasonality and current cooking trends. Supporting this year’s event has yet again been invaluable in supporting the students’ learning by developing valuable culinary skills.

“This project has been a fantastic opportunity for students to respond to a live brief and prepare food for a prestigious, high profile event attended by leading industry figures.”

Whilst you are enjoying your meal this evening please consider that the chef who created these dishes or the hospitality student who served you could be a future contender for the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards. www.cityofoxford.ac.uk

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This year’s Awards Trophies

Designed and crafted by the students at NSF Since 2011, when the first Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards took place, The National School of Furniture have kindly provided us with some incredible trophies from a select few of their brightest students. This year is no different with the NSF stepping up again with their support for the awards. I met with Chris Hyde, course tutor, who is always enthusiastic with the live brief and experience the awards provide the students. “The students have a firm grasp on the brief; to create a trophy that works off the inspiring way restaurants in

Oxfordshire present themselves, their food and their identity. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our guys to work on something a little different and to see their work celebrated in such a way”. After a quick walk around the new development at City of Oxford College we head into the NSF to meet with Jan Waterston and Sam Bolt, two very highly motivated, friendly guys that have a real skill to show off. The woodwork studio was a hive of activity with students busy working on their class projects. The atmosphere was electric with students in deep concentration.

As Sam worked away getting the awards to perfection, Jan told us how he felt about the live project “Seeing these awards dotted around Oxfordshire will be pretty cool, it’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to the awards night.” The trophies have come a long way from the original pencil sketches we first saw during the summer break in August. At first glance there is an obvious push to follow the brief we had set out which was for the awards to be inspirational, innovative, sharp and clean.

We’re sure that we speak for everybody involved with the awards that the students at NSF have certainly outdone themselves. With thanks to Jan, Sam, Chris Hyde, Helen Brind, Ian Francis and Sally Dicketts at City of Oxford College. www.nationalschooloffurniture.com

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Coming Soon…

The Good Food Oxford Sustainable Restaurant Award 2016 Fresh, locally-sourced and seasonal food is a hit with customers, and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. The Good Food Oxford Sustainable Restaurant Award will celebrate the best the county has to offer from plot to plate. To recognise the most sustainable restaurant in Oxfordshire, the judges will be looking for the restaurant with the best: • Fresh, locally-sourced and seasonal food, • Vegetarian options, • Sustainable and ethical credentials, • Efforts on food waste reduction, • Engaged and knowledgeable team. Whether you have a nose-to-tail approach to cooking meat, a super relationship with your suppliers, vegetarian options to die for, or a partnership with a charity to take your old sandwiches, we want to hear about it. Even better if your team members are singing it from the rooftops. Begin the process today ready for next year’s awards, or celebrate what you’ve already achieved: join the Good Food Oxford network and share your great work. Good Food Oxford is a network of over 130 businesses, charities and community groups 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.

“A network of over 130 businesses, charities and community groups working together for a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system for Oxford.”

Oxford’s Good Food Charter is available to sign online at www.goodfoodoxford.org/charter We’d love to talk to you tonight. Or contact Hannah Fenton on: 07741 311899 hannah.fenton@goodfoodoxford.org Congratulations to all this year’s nominees and winners!

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Oxford Event Hire pride themselves on their immediate response, first class service, accurate delivery timings, quality equipment and highly competitive prices.

01865 760 158 | sales@oxfordeventhire.co.uk | www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk

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The Garden

Official awards florists

“The Garden” has earned an enviable reputation as one of the finest flower shops in the region since it was first established in Oxford’s historic Covered Market in 1984. Our talented staff create beautiful, bespoke floral displays for a wide range of clients and events in the Oxford area – from a beautiful

bouquet to say “thank you”, to large floral displays for a dining hall, “The Garden” is the place to come. We have a particular passion for English-grown fresh flowers and take immense pride in sourcing the finest seasonal flowers grown in this country, along with the best imported blooms available. We are also passionate about customer service.

Our opening hours for 99/100 The Covered Market are MondaySaturday 8:00-5:00, Sunday 10:004:00 Opening hours for 79 London Road are Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 Saturday 8:00-3:00 www.thegardenoxford.co.uk

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The Oxford Wine Company

Second Oxford Wine Cafe Opens in Jericho

The Oxford Wine Company is pleased to announce that it will be opening a second wine cafe on 1st October. The Oxford Wine Cafe (Jericho) is sited in quality double fronted premises on the corner of Little Clarendon Street and Walton Street and will be run along the same lines as the existing cafe in Summertown. The

two venues will work closely together to offer not only top class coffee and light tasty food but also our excellent choice of over 150 wines, 22 of which are offered by the glass. MD Ted Sandbach said; “The opening of a second branch of The Oxford Wine Cafe is a logical step following the success of the first wine cafe in Summertown.

The move balances our portfolio with retail, wholesale and on trade and there is a great deal of synergy between all three operations as well as enhancing our name and presence in the centre of Oxford.” 32 Little Clarendon Street, Jericho Oxford OX1 2HU. T: 01865 604334 Manager: George Sandbach Opening Thursday 1st October!

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photographe Iris Velghe

Cuvée Rosé. The Ultimate.

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Passion for Food

Fabulous Events Catering Philip Baker, Managing Director of Passion for Food, started in the catering industry at an early age and developed a real passion and enthusiasm for fantastic flavours, ingredients and new cooking methods. He was fortunate to be taken to many of the top restaurants in London and the Home Counties, such as The Canteen, The Greenhouse, The Waterside at Bray, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and met some of the chefs who ran these establishments, who gave him some good advice. He was inspired by tasting the top quality food they served and was determined that one day he would be serving food to the same high standards. This lead to a natural progression to run his own company and he has now been in the catering industry for over twenty years, still passionate about food which is reflected in the company name, Passion for Food! At Passion for Food we specialise in providing fabulous event catering for weddings, corporate events, Christmas parties and private dinners. We offer a simple, uncomplicated approach where everything revolves around the client, from talking through menus at the initial planning stages through to the ‘wow, that was incredible’ finale. Based in Westcott, Buckinghamshire, we offer our services across the Home Counties and London. We have experience in catering for events at private homes, marquees and stunning venues, including The Dairy at Waddesdon Manor, Kirtlington Park, Rhodes House, the Bodleian Library, Wrest Park and many corporate premises. We provide high-quality food and offer a first-class professional and friendly service. We can also advise on

other important elements such as marquees, florists and chair hire as we have great working relationships with our preferred suppliers. Over the years we have learned that if you deliver exquisite dishes beautifully prepared, served by people who really care - customers remember you and come back for more. From this we have built up an impressive list of loyal and repeat clients, most of whom have come to us by word of mouth. We never forget that every event is different. But, whether it’s a corporate occasion, a private party, a wedding reception or a birthday - we never forget that it’s your event. We can provide a bespoke, personalised service. We sit down with you, we chat about your requirements, we talk about how much you want to spend, we talk about venues and we talk about menus. We then set about doing what we’re best at - providing you with delicious food that ensures your occasion is a memorable one. Contact Details Managing Director: Philip Baker Email: philip@passion-for-food.co.uk Telephone: 0845 606 8885 Address: Unit 7 a/b Upper Barn Farm, Bicester Road, Westcott, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JX Website: www.passion-for-food.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/pages/ Passion-for-food/254359987932998 Twitter: twitter.com/passionffood LinkedIn: Philip Baker

We look forward to seeing you at Weston Library on 11th October 2016. Apply for the 2016 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards at www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk Thank you for coming, we hope you had an enjoyable evening.