Shortlist

• Bar of the Year

  Sponsored By:

  
  1. Bruach Bar
  2. Winner The Barrelman
  3. The Keys
  Read More

  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:

  
  1. Highly Commended Futtle
  2. SaltRock Brewing Company
  3. Winner Wasted Degrees Brewing
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  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

  1. Andrew Spence, The Boars Head
  2. Craig Jackson, Murrayshall Country Estate
  3. Winner Thomas Tsappis, Killiecrankie House
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  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:

  
  1. Winner Braw Tea
  2. The Selkie Group
  3. Transition Dundee
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  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:

  
  1. Highly Commended Angus Alchemy
  2. Winner The Kingsbarns Company of Distillers
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  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:

  
  1. Kelly Fairweather, The Selkie Group
  2. Michelle Maddox, Clootie McToot
  3. Winner Tommy & Jacqueline Fox, Fox Taverns
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  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:

  
  1. Braw Tea
  2. Winner Sweetpea Café
  3. The Lass O'Gowrie
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  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:

  
  1. Winner Angus Soft Fruits
  2. East Neuk Kilnhouse
  3. The Real Fresh Chip Company
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  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:

  
  1. Dhoom Streetery and Bar
  2. Highly Commended Killiecrankie House
  3. Winner The Boars Head
  4. The Rookery
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  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:

  
  1. Winner Ethan O'Hare, WeeCOOK
  2. Jason Cargill, The Rookery
  3. Rebecca McFarlane, Black Mamba
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  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

  1. Winner Choola
  2. Fallones Pizza & Gelato
  3. Shipwreck Seafood
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  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:

  
  1. Highly Commended Angus Soft Fruits
  2. Winner Greenheart Growers
  3. Kin Bees
  Read More

  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