
The Menu Food and Drink Awards
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2022 Menu Awards. Congratulations to all of our worthy winners and thank you to our fantastic chefs and sponsors
See our video below for highlights of our awards evening. It sure was a great night!
Look forward to seeing you all in 2023!
Key Dates
9 May 2022 | Entries open |
15 Jul 2022 | Entries close |
6 Aug 2022 | Finalists announced |
6 Oct 2022 | The Event |
Shortlist
-
Bar of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Casa Dundee
- Pillars Bar & Salty Dog Lounge
- The Barrelman
- Winner The Tully by Ballintaggart
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
- Casa Dundee
- Pillars Bar & Salty Dog Lounge
- The Barrelman
- Winner The Tully by Ballintaggart
-
Brewer of the Year
- 71 Brewing
- Winner Ovenstone
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
- 71 Brewing
- Winner Ovenstone
-
Chef of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Andrew Moss, The North Port Restaurant
- Jordan Clark, The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart
- Tom Tsappis, Killiecrankie House
Sponsored By:
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 lesley.taylor@ajl.co.uk)
Shortlist
- Winner Andrew Moss
- Jordan Clark
- Tom Tsappis
-
Community Champion
- Dundee Bairns
- Winner Kitschnbake
- The Little Green Larder
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 the pandemic, you adapted your business to help others in your area providing hot meals to the elderly or a delivery service for people self-isolating. The winner will be someone who has gone out of their way to make a difference and help those who live within their community.
After the finalists have been announced the winner will be chosen in a public vote.
Shortlist
- Dundee Bairns
- Winner Kitschnbake
- The Little Green Larder
-
Craft Distiller of the Year
- Highland Moon
- Winner The Perth Distillery Co
Craft Distiller 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
- Highland Moon
- Winner The Perth Distillery Co
-
Entrepreneur of the Year
- Winner Lynsey Harley, Modern Standard Coffee
- Praveen Kumar, Authentic Indian Cuisine
- Hayley Wilkes, The WeeCOOK Kitchen
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 Mar 2021. The award recognises a business leader who has shown entrepreneurial focus, strategic planning, innovation, strong leadership and outstanding business performance.
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
- Winner Lynsey Harley
- Praveen Kumar
- Hayley Wilkes
-
Food/Drink Visitor Destination of the Year
- Clootie Mctoot
- The Perth Distillery Co
- Winner The Pickled Peacock
Food/Drink Visitor Destination of the Year
Entries are welcome from food and drink destinations, experiences or attractions across the region and judges will be looking for a high standard of customer interaction, depth of knowledge of local food and drink, and customer value for money.
Entries will be judged by the following criteria:
- What the destination/experience/attraction offers
- Target audience
- Local links
- Your USP
Shortlist
- Clootie Mctoot
- The Perth Distillery Co
- Winner The Pickled Peacock
-
Independent Cafe of the Year
- Winner Fisher & Donaldson
- Tickled Trout Cafe
- Wee Bear Cafe
- Highly Commended Zest (St Andrews)
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
- Winner Fisher & Donaldson
- Tickled Trout Cafe
- Wee Bear Cafe
- Zest (St Andrews)
-
Newcomer of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Angus Grill + Larder
- Killiecrankie House
- Winner The Boar's Head
- The Crusoe
Sponsored By:
Newcomer of the Year
An individual producer, a retailer or food/drink service outlet, new on the food and drink scene since July 2021, displaying excellence in the use of local food and drink products, or a service provider making a significant contribution to the success of the sector.
Judges will be looking for individuals or businesses that have great potential to further contribute to the local food and drink economy or enhance the perception of the regions food and drink.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Successes to date
First impressions
Your USP
Shortlist
- Angus Grill + Larder
- Killiecrankie House
- Winner The Boar's Head
- The Crusoe
-
Producer of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Winner Clootie McToot Dumplings
- Pittenweem Preserves
- The Dundee Gin Company
- Highly Commended WeeCOOK Pies
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 Clootie McToot Dumplings
- Pittenweem Preserves
- The Dundee Gin Company
- WeeCOOK Pies
-
Restaurant of the Year
Sponsored By:
- Eolas Restaurant at Murrayshall Country Estate
- Winner Little's Restaurant
- The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart
- The North Port Restaurant
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
- Eolas Restaurant at Murrayshall Country Estate
- Winner Little's Restaurant
- The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart
- The North Port Restaurant
-
Street Vendor of the Year
- Heather Street Food
- Ox & Anchor
- Rico's Pizza Shack
- Winner The Shack Street Food
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
- Heather Street Food
- Ox & Anchor
- Rico's Pizza Shack
- Winner The Shack Street Food
-
Sustainability Award
Sponsored By:
- Framedrum Venison
- Winner The Little Green Larder
- Zest (St Andrews)
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
- Framedrum Venison
- Winner The Little Green Larder
- Zest (St Andrews)
The Chefs
-
Martin Hollis
Executive Chef, Old Course Resort
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Praveen Kumar
Chef/Owner, Tabla Restaurant
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Dean Banks
Chef/Owner, St Andrews Haar Restaurant
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Ian Syme
Executive Chef, Fairmont St Andrews
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Derek Johnstone
Executive Head Chef, Rusacks St Andrews
Sponsors and Partners

Visit ALTAR GROUP website

InvestFife is the outward brand of Fife Council’s Economic Development team. Its aim is to make Fife the best place to do business. The goal is to create a flexible business infrastructure for both new and growing businesses throughout Fife by providing a wide range of support to businesses – for start-ups, existing businesses in Fife and those who wish to Invest in Fife.
Visit Invest Fife website
How 1881 was created and brought to life:
Who would establish a distillery within a Scottish Borders luxury hotel? Who would see in the Hydro heritage of hospitality opportunity to re-channel a centuries-old natural spring into gin? Who would elevate the distillery a few feet above a Victorian swimming pool?
Only 1881.
Our story begins in 1881, when Peebles Hydro opened its doors inviting city dwellers to escape to the country and “take the waters”. In other words to indulge in trendy treatments of the time.
From that day to this water is at the heart of Peebles Hydro. The source of our natural spring water supply then and now is Shieldgreen in the hills just behind us.
Our motto – from spring to spirit – represents the water that flows through our Hydro heritage and the elevation in joy and pleasure we hope to bring to our customers. We capitalise on our natural resources to create new ways to welcome people into our world.
“Let’s open a gin distillery”, said Patrick our General Manager – so we did.
Two years planning, a few different location choices and some huge learning curves along the way. We’re open for business. We worked with Jamie Baxter from Craft Distilling Services to develop a fantastic range. And Felicity (Patrick’s daughter) our beautiful 150L Arnold Holstein copper pot still produces the goods.
1881 is quite a new brand, introduced to the market late October 2019, so it has been quite a first year to launch a new initiative in the hospitality industry. During our times of closure we worked hard on our imagery as well as our vision and values. As we see it 2021 will be our year 1.
Our vision is to produce the best quality products, in great packaging that our consumers from 18 to 81 will love and come back for more.
We don’t just produce, we encourage others to produce their very own. Our gin school is a hands on visitor experience including a tour of the distillery and processes used will lead to the exciting bit – making their very own personalised gin for a small scale copper still. Accommodating up to 26 students at a time, it is certainly the largest gin school attached to a hotel in the country, perfect for gin experience packages.
Visit 1881 Gin website

Highland Game supplies premium venison from the Highlands.
Our venison is unique due to its natural origin – it is exclusively selected for the UK market from approved suppliers who meet our stringent demands for excellent quality control and can provide full traceability. The venison is cut and processed to the highest standard in our custom designed processing plant which has 100% Meat Hygiene Inspection, Quality Assured Processor, SQWV, EC approval and BRC accreditation.
Venison is pure and natural, as free range and organic as only wild produce can be – sourced from deer that have been free to graze and roam wild in the Highlands.
Venison is remarkably low in cholesterol and saturated fat. It is a pure meat and completely free from salt and other additives in its natural state. Whilst venison contains all the nutritional values of other meats, the fat content is the lowest of all red meats – HALF that of Lamb, and a Quarter that of Beef. It is exceptionally rich in protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and is a particularly rich source of vitamin B-complex (B-complex vitamins help the body release energy from food, and are involved in functions such as appetite control, vision, healthy skin, a healthy nervous system and red blood cell formation), making it an ideal food source to include in a well-balanced diet.
In fact, venison is so highly nutritious that even when serving a smaller portion that the recommended daily allowance for traditional meats, will provide the same feeling of satisfaction but with higher levels of nutrition.
Highland Game has won several awards:
The Supreme Award 2004, Scottish Food & Drinks Excellence Award
The Best Meat Award 2004, Scottish Food & Drinks Excellence Award
The Best Direct Marketing Award 2005, Scottish Food & Drinks Excellence Award
The Healthy Living Award 2006, Scottish Food & Drinks Excellence Award
The Outstanding Small Business Award in UK 2010, The IGD National Food Industry Awards
The Gold Q Award & The Fresh Meat Award 2010, The National Quality Food Industry Awards
The Success Through partnership Award 2015, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards
Visit Highland Game website
The five star Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in the birthplace of golf, St Andrews, Fife. This resort includes the world-renowned Kohler Waters Spa and stands within 10 feet of the iconic Old Course links golf course. Its Road Hole Bar can serve a Scotch from any of the 212 active distilleries in Scotland and offers a breakfast buffet second to none with panoramic views. With six dining establishments including the 3 AA Rosette Road Hole Restaurant and cosy pub, The Jigger Inn, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to lunch and dinner.
Visit Old Course Hotel website
Gift Brilliantly with itison+
Itison+ is a premium and effortless way to become an amazing gifter of the best local experiences in Scotland – from great activities and masterclasses to luxury getaways and the best dining experiences.
Whether it’s a birthday, wedding or just because, there are price points and experiences for everyone – with no restrictions on use and up to 12 months validity to ensure they make awesome gifts.
All delivered in your choice of premium envelope or gift box (or by email for any last-minute panics!) with a beautifully personalised card.
Our mission is to make gifting local experiences effortless and help us all become better gifters. With next day delivery, amazing experiences for every budget and a raft of features to help remind you about important dates, we hope itison+ will do just that.
Visit Itison+ website
CoelBrew is a new Scottish gluten-free craft brewery in Guardbridge, St Andrews. Team CB are now stomping out the gluten around Tayside with their first batch of fresh lager ‘STOMP’. Created by local friends and family frustrated at the lack of gluten-free options, the innovative team behind the brewery have been busy getting buds buzzing with pre-sale tasters, launching football partnerships with Arbroath FC and Dundee United Women’s Football Club, ahead of rolling out their first cans and opening their new site for business.
Visit CoelBrew website
The 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 website
St Andrews famous seafood restaurant.
Every plate will guide your senses on a wonderful journey, evoking memories and feelings. Come and take a journey with us in St Andrews
Visit Haar Restaurant websiteThe Judges
-
Julia Bryce
Head of Food & Drink, DC Thomson
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Brian Stormont
Deputy Head of Print / Menu Editor, DC Thomson
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Martha Bryce
Director, Sound Bite PR
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Jamie Scott
Chef Patron The Newport
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Eniola Odejayi
Co-Owner, Gidi Grill
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