Success in the local food and drink sector was celebrated yesterday (Thursday 29th March) with a reception hosted by Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor. The reception was held to mark the achievements of local businesses at the recent Menu Food & Drink Awards held at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews.
This was the first year that The Menu awards had been held to recognise the talent and dedication of food and drink businesses across Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perthshire. Angus had a lot to celebrate on the night with winners and finalists from across the area.
Family run Gordon’s Restaurant in Inverkeilor won Fine Dining Restaurant of the year, while the restaurant’s chef, Garry Watson, was a finalist in the Chef of the Year category. Mackay’s Ltd, the jam manufacturer based in Arbroath won the Local to Global Award for its success in international markets, and Lewis Pickett of WeeCOOK Kitchen in Monifieth won the Young Talent/Rising Star category. Lewis is only 18 but has been undertaking an apprenticeship at WeeCOOK for the past 2 years and has been commended by his lecturers for being a fast learner and supporting other students.
Artisana Vintage Mobile Tea Room came Highly Commended in the Street Vendor of the Year category which was strongly contested with another Angus business, Wild & Smoky, also being a finalist. Gin Bothy was a finalist for Craft Drink of the Year, and Three Bellies Brae in Kirriemuir was a finalist for Pub of the Year – a great endorsement as this category was voted for by members of the public.
At the reception, the Provost said “Food and drink is an important sector for Angus and it is inspiring to see so many local businesses making a mark in this industry with innovative ideas and products. I am extremely proud of all the winners and finalists and have enjoyed meeting them all today and finding our more about their businesses.”
Garry Watson, one of the award winners said, “We are proud to be an Angus business and use local, seasonal produce wherever possible. We work hard to provide a special and unique experience for our customers and winning the Fine Dining Restaurant award means so much to us. We were up against some very stiff competition so we are delighted to be recognised in this way.”
The reception was held at WeeCOOK Kitchen at Broughty Golf Club, Monifieth where award winner Lewis Pickett is based.
Wild & Smoky
Mobile Restaurant, Event and Private Catering, Street Food
Gin Bothy Ltd
Inspired by Bothies of the past, Gin Bothy favour the old fashioned approach. We infuse our Gins with local seasonal fruits in extremely small batches, working through the process by hand at each step.
Angus Council
Angus Council works to create strong secure communities, an enterprising workforce, and sustainable development over the range of public services for which it has responsibility. We are a customer and citizen focused organisation and work to deliver accessible, effective and efficient services for the county\'s population.
