Celebration of eating out in the Scottish Borders
Monday, November 5 2007
Twenty six accolades were presented to Borders food and drink businesses at the prestigious Scottish Borders Eating Out Awards held on 5 November at Tweed Horizons.
The Awards represent the very best of Eating Out in the Scottish Borders as local businesses had their food, service and menus judged by incognito professional restaurant inspectors over recent weeks, who found that standards in the Borders have risen again.
This year, the awards have again been funded and managed by Scottish Borders Council, as part of their support for both the food and tourism industries, with generous sponsorship of individual classes by VisitScotland Borders, NHS Borders, Scottish Enterprise Borders, Borders College, NFU Scotland, EatScotland and the Southern Reporter. Launched in July, there was a tremendous response to the competition from local people and visitors to the area, with over 400 nominations received – more than double previous years. In total, 92 businesses were nominated, from Peebles to Eyemouth – almost twice the number nominated in previous years. Voters praised a range of qualities about the best eating out places but most cited the excellent food, friendly service and warm welcome.
The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston scooped the overall winner’s prize as well as winning the Best Customer Service Award category. The judges commented: “Our experience was exemplary. Skilful cooking and imaginative menu enhanced by smart, professional service – a real Borders treasure.” Other winners included Marmions Brasserie, Melrose; Glentress Hotel, Peebles; Lazels@Peebles Hydro Hotel; Cobbles Inn, Kelso; the Caddy Mann, Jedburgh; the Wheatsheaf at Swinton; Allerton House, Jedburgh and Le Jardin, Kelso with the Best Local Supplier award going to D R Collin Seafresh of Eyemouth.
New awards this year were for a Junior Chef, which was decided in a ‘cook-off’, and a competition for the best-written restaurant review from a member of the public, judged by the editor of the Southern Reporter, with the review to be featured in the paper. The certificates and prizes were presented by the sponsors and national food critic, Mark Palmer, who was born and bred in the Borders and regularly returns to his home town of Duns.
The judges' report emphasised the continuing increase in quality eating out places, of all styles across the region and particularly praised attentive, professional service and friendly staff.
Councillor Vicky Davidson, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “We are delighted that such a wide range of establishments across the Scottish Borders have all proved themselves such worthy winners and that the quality of Eating Out in the Scottish Borders improves year on year. We are very grateful to this year's sponsors of the competition who have enabled us to continue this worthwhile event.”
A new and extremely influential sponsor this year was the Southern Reporter which has run regular features on Eating Out in the Scottish Borders. Their new award for a Restaurant Review attracted over 60 entries from both locals and visitors – some of whom came from as far away as Norwich. Susan Windram, Editor of the Southern, added: "As a new sponsor, the Southern Reporter has been delighted to be part of the event. The way it brings together local suppliers, local caterers and the public is valuable in raising awareness of the vital nature of the wonderful produce and eating out establishments we have in the area.”
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