The Courier Food & Drink Awards
OUR AMAZING WINNERS HAVE BEEN CROWNED
The Courier would like to thank all of our attendees for another successful Food & Drink Awards. An amazing night had by all, celebrating all that is good and great in the hospitality sector of Courier Country.
Thanks also to our sponsors as your continued support is greatly appreciated.
We wish all of our winners continued success and we look forward to seeing you all at our Food & Drink Awards 2025.
Congratulations to you all.
Take a look at our awards evening and amazing winners in our highlights reel below. Enjoy!
Shortlist
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Bar of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Bruach Bar
- Winner The Barrelman
- The Keys
Sponsored By:
Bar of the Year
This category is open to independent or hotel bars. Judges will be looking for a bar with a good ambience and knowledgeable staff who have a strong customer focus. An exciting and varied wine list, expertly made signature cocktails and a good knowledge of spirits are essential.
Entries will be judged by the following criteria:
- Depth of knowledge of drinks served
- Commitment to customer service
- The style of your food offerings (pub grub/gastro pub etc.)
- Your vibe (family friendly/pet friendly/outdoor seating etc.)
- Wines and speciality beers/local drinks suppliers
Shortlist
- Bruach Bar
- Winner The Barrelman
- The Keys
-
Brewer of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Highly Commended Futtle
- SaltRock Brewing Company
- Winner Wasted Degrees Brewing
Sponsored By:
Brewer of the Year
This category is open to any independently owned business that can demonstrate success in the market.
Judges will be looking for a commitment to locally sourced products where possible, sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Consistent innovation to stay ahead of competitors
- Methods of reaching the target market
- Commitment to local supply chain
- Future plans
Shortlist
- Futtle
- SaltRock Brewing Company
- Winner Wasted Degrees Brewing
-
Chef of the Year
- Andrew Spence, The Boars Head
- Craig Jackson, Murrayshall Country Estate
- Winner Thomas Tsappis, Killiecrankie House
Chef of the Year
The Chef of the Year is someone who is dedicated to creating and serving the best food, using seasonal and local ingredients. Above all, we are looking for passion, that magic ingredient that defines true greatness in the kitchen.
Entries should come from all areas of the hospitality business, including hotels, restaurant and pubs.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Influences and philosophy
- Sourcing
- What you bring to the profession
- Seasonality and sustainability
- A sample menu (please send this to sarah.neave@dcthomson.co.uk)
Shortlist
- Andrew Spence
- Craig Jackson
- Winner Thomas Tsappis
-
Community Champion
Sponsored By:
- Winner Braw Tea
- The Selkie Group
- Transition Dundee
Sponsored By:
Community Champion
Through a lifetime of thoughtfulness or by an act of courage or kindness, this individual or group exemplifies the essence of community spirit.
Perhaps during tough economic times, you adapt your business to help others in your area.
The winner will be someone who has gone out of their way to make a difference and help those who live within their community.
Shortlist
- Winner Braw Tea
- The Selkie Group
- Transition Dundee
-
Craft Distiller of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Highly Commended Angus Alchemy
- Winner The Kingsbarns Company of Distillers
Sponsored By:
Craft Distiller of the Year
This category is open to any independently owned distillery business that has raised the bar of the craft distilling industry and can demonstrate success in the market with a commitment to the local community and sustainable practices shared across the industry.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Consistent innovation to stay ahead of competitors
- Quality standards
- Positive environment impact
- Future plans
Shortlist
- Angus Alchemy
- Winner The Kingsbarns Company of Distillers
-
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Kelly Fairweather, The Selkie Group
- Michelle Maddox, Clootie McToot
- Winner Tommy & Jacqueline Fox, Fox Taverns
Sponsored By:
Entrepreneur of the Year
This award is open to any food and drink related businesses based in Courier Country, which have been operating for a minimum of 14 months (as of September 2022). The award recognises a business leader who has shown entrepreneurial focus, strategic planning, innovation, strong leadership and outstanding business performance.
Entrepreneur of the Year is judged by an independent judging panel, made up of key members from the local business community.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Entrepreneurial flair, demonstrated through determination, perseverance, independent thinking, and an ability to overcome obstacles
- An ability to turn business visions into realities, through a sound strategic plan
- Creates a culture of innovation within the organisation, continually identifying and developing new ideas
- Demonstrates a strong, flexible and forward-thinking leadership of the business and its staff
- Strong business management, with consistent growth and strong financial performance, both top and bottom line
Shortlist
- Kelly Fairweather
- Michelle Maddox
- Winner Tommy & Jacqueline Fox
-
Independent Cafe of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Braw Tea
- Winner Sweetpea Café
- The Lass O'Gowrie
Sponsored By:
Independent Cafe of the Year
The judges will look for the independent coffee shop that is best able to create an outstanding customer experience — a warm welcome, high quality coffee and/or tea plus a range of other drinks, tasty food made from fresh, local produce, all served with an excellent level of customer service.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Ambience
- Offerings (tea/coffee, speciality brews)
- Attention to dietary requirements
- Value/affordability
- Customer service
- Accessibility and facilities
- Source of provenance
Shortlist
- Braw Tea
- Winner Sweetpea Café
- The Lass O'Gowrie
-
Producer of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Angus Soft Fruits
- East Neuk Kilnhouse
- The Real Fresh Chip Company
Sponsored By:
Producer of the Year
Entries are welcome from producers of fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat or drinks, grown, produced or made from source in Courier Country. Judges are looking for individuals or businesses with the ability and vision to produce and market quality food and drink products in this region. These are growers and producers who are passionate about what they do and who have the talent and skill to grow, develop and market an outstanding and commercially scalable food and drink product.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Food or drink that is grown or made from source in Courier Country
- Inspiration and evolution
- Commitment to highest production standards
- Marketing and distribution
- Sustainability
Shortlist
- Winner Angus Soft Fruits
- East Neuk Kilnhouse
- The Real Fresh Chip Company
-
Restaurant of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Dhoom Streetery and Bar
- Highly Commended Killiecrankie House
- Winner The Boars Head
- The Rookery
Sponsored By:
Restaurant of the Year
This venue should be the very best of Scottish hospitality and cuisine; displaying the use of fresh and local ingredients with flair, imagination and expertise. Diners will not hesitate to travel many miles for this dining experience.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- An exciting and innovative menu
- Emphasis on local produce
- Curation of wines and other drinks
- Décor and ambience
- Customer service
- Knowledgeability of waiting staff
Shortlist
- Dhoom Streetery and Bar
- Killiecrankie House
- Winner The Boars Head
- The Rookery
-
Rising Star of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Ethan O'Hare, WeeCOOK
- Jason Cargill, The Rookery
- Rebecca McFarlane, Black Mamba
Sponsored By:
Rising Star of the Year
A new award for 2024, the Rising Star recognises a game-changing newcomer whose vision and passion for food has marked them out as one-to-watch.
Working on their own venture or within an established firm in the food and drink industry, our Rising Star will have channelled their talent for making outstanding food or producing quality food products, into a successful business venture.
While still in the relatively early stages of their career, our Rising Star will be the one calling the shots in their own venture or, as an in-house member of staff.
Either way, it will be obvious that great things beckon for our Rising Star.
For the first time the winner of this category will be decided by readers and subscribers of The Courier in print and online.
Key criteria:
- A maximum of five years’ experience in their field
- Proof of game-changing impact, sector disruption and / or influence
- Ongoing commitment to professional development
Shortlist
- Winner Ethan O'Hare
- Jason Cargill
- Rebecca McFarlane
-
Street Vendor of the Year
- Winner Choola
- Fallones Pizza & Gelato
- Shipwreck Seafood
Street Vendor of the Year
Good food on the go has become an important part of modern living and, as such, the demand for street food and impromptu pop-ups has never been greater. The judges will be looking for someone who’s bringing something unique to the table.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Your USP
- Use of local produce
- Visitor experience
Shortlist
- Winner Choola
- Fallones Pizza & Gelato
- Shipwreck Seafood
-
Sustainability Award
Sponsored By:
- Highly Commended Angus Soft Fruits
- Winner Greenheart Growers
- Kin Bees
Sponsored By:
Sustainability Award
This award is for those who have sustainability at the heart of their business. The firm will demonstrate positive moves to operating more sustainably and showcase how they have done so/are doing so.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- Examples of sustainable practice
- Future proofing the business with sustainability in mind
Shortlist
- Angus Soft Fruits
- Winner Greenheart Growers
- Kin Bees
Sponsors and Partners
Family-owned and full of heart, Apex Hotels is a luxury collection of hotels situated in the heart of the UK’s most vibrant cities – Edinburgh, London, Bath, Glasgow, and Dundee. The 4-star properties, each with their own personalities and distinctive style, are renowned for their sumptuous bedrooms, chic restaurants and bars, stylish spas, modern meetings and events spaces, and above all, their warmer welcome. Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is perfectly placed for a chic getaway, whether it be for business or leisure.
Visit Apex Hotels websiteDiageo is a company with a rich Scottish heritage – our roots can be traced back to 1627 and the Haig family. Since then, Scotland has played an important role in shaping Diageo and we now export our premium brands to 180 markets around the world.
Scotland is one of Diageo’s largest spirit supply centres responsible for producing around 50 million cases of leading brands of Scotch whisky and white spirits annually. We employ around 3,000 people in Scotland, working in over 50 communities across the country. Around 85% of Diageo’s production in Scotland is sold overseas.
Visit Diageo websiteThe DP&L Group of companies comprises of DP&L Travel –Provide Corporate, Leisure, Golf and Event Travel Management services to both business and consumers throughout the UK, Key Personnel – Provide Temporary, Events and Permanent Recruitment throughout the UK, Stiven – provide specialist Workwear, PPE, Hygiene and Cleaning Products and Paints and associated sundries throughout the East Coast of Scotland, Henderson Gray – provide marquees, temporary structures and bespoke manufacturing of industrial covers throughout Scotland.
The DP&L Group consistently diversify their offerings and during the last 2 years have invested heavily in their people and technology to ensure compatibility with our clients goals and objectives.
Visit DP&L Group websiteInvestFife is a collective brand, which incorporates all of Fife Council’s Economic Development services, including Business Enterprise, Land and Property, which in partnership with Business Gateway Fife, aims to support businesses in Fife. InvestFife’s ethos and what drives its services is its commitment to making ‘Fife the best place to do business’. It offers a team approach to every enquiry that comes in, no matter the size or scope, to ensure businesses grow and succeed.
Visit Invest Fife websiteOriginally built by the Baxter family in 1822, the hotel overlooks Dundee’s waterfront and sees two 400-year grade-A listed former mill buildings converted into boutique Hotel Indigo, Daisy Tasker restaurant plus aparthotel – Staybridge Suites Dundee, the perfect home away from home for longer stays. And from April, their brand-new state-of-the-art-bar, Eighteen22. Beautifully designed to capture the culture, spirit and history of the city, giving guests a stunning location to enjoy a selection of wine, beers, spirits and cocktails celebrating local home-grown Dundee brands alongside well-known favourites, plus a selection of welcoming, locally sourced dishes.
Set in a fantastic location, a ten-minute walk from the waterfront, train station and City Centre; legendary golf courses, stunning walks, and distilleries are all on the doorstep. Whilst luxurious, thoughtful details and clever design add memorable experiences for guests, who consistently rank the hotels in the top 2 places to stay in Dundee.
Visit Malmaison websiteThe Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is a luxury five-star property offering timeless elegance and award-winning service located in the world-famous Home of Golf, St Andrews, Fife. Enjoying an unrivalled setting overlooking the famous 17th hole of the Old Course and West Sands Beach, the resort is renowned for its warm hospitality and attention to detail, making it one of St Andrews’ most popular venues for accommodation, dining, and weddings. Within the resort you can explore the luxurious Kohler Waters Spa which features 13 treatment rooms, a 20m pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and plunge pool, as well as a gym and fitness centre. From casual pub food to a three Rosette fine dining experience, the resort caters to all with its eight restaurants and bars. You will be spoilt for choice from the selection of local and international dishes. The resort’s official golf course is The Duke’s. The championship course offers world-class service alongside one of the most manicured golf experiences in St Andrews. Facilities include the Clubhouse bar and restaurant, a fully stocked Pro Shop, driving range, short game area, par-3 loop, and a fleet of GPS golf buggies. Discover the historic university town of St Andrews, just a short stroll from the resort, and explore the surrounding countryside of the ancient Kingdom of Fife. With a combination of classically elegant and contemporary interiors, the resort offers luxurious facilities and a warm welcome in the finest traditions of Scottish hospitality.
Visit Old Course Hotel websiteThe University of Dundee School of Business is one of the fastest growing business schools in the UK. We are passionate about creating partnership-driven teaching, research and knowledge exchange that stimulate enterprise and innovation in the local and global community. The school has joined the world’s elite after attaining AACSB accreditation, which is recognised globally and emphasises the quality of our research-informed teaching and community engagement that we pride ourselves on here at Dundee. The School of Business has enjoyed unprecedented growth in recent years and has established itself as an integral part of the University and the wider region.
Visit School of Business University of Dundee websiteThe Swilcan Loft restaurant and bar features floor-to-ceiling windows and uninterrupted views of the Old Course golf course, West Sands Beach and the iconic Hamilton Grand building. It is located on the fourth floor of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa and serves an eclectic international menu created with locally sourced Scottish produce.
Swilcan Loft is the perfect place for those looking for an indulgent lunch or dinner with a great selection of wines and innovative cocktails.
Visit Swilcan Loft websiteThe Rookery, Restaurant and Bar in Carnoustie showcases the very best produce that Scotland has to offer. The menus, delivered by Head Chef, Jonathan Greer, offer guests breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere with great service. The dining space uses natural materials and full-length glass windows to make the most of the spectacular panoramic views of the world famous Carnoustie Championship Course. The Rookery is open for everyone to enjoy. It is the perfect dining environment for groups, couples and families. With a focus on seasonal produce, the dishes feature the very best of Scottish food.
Visit The Rookery websiteThe Judges
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Brian Stormont
Deputy Head of Print/Editor The Courier Food & Drink DC Thomson
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Martha Bryce
Director, Sound Bite PR
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Sarah Rankin
MasterChef Finalist and Food Writer
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Jamie Scott
Chef Patron, The Newport Restaurant
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Fiona Walsh
Co-Founder, Toll House Spirits
Event Partnership Opportunities
Event Partnership Opportunities
For further details on Event Partnership opportunities, please contact:
Ross Williamson on 07803 159710 or ross.williamson@dcthomson.co.uk