The winners of the AA hospitality Awards 2018 were announced at last night’s glittering ceremony at Grosvenor House in central London.
The prestigious awards, which were presented by BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing co-host Claudia Winkleman, recognised winners from across 12 different categories, as well as the recipients of the latest round of four and five rosettes and five red stars.
The coveted title of AA Hotel of the Year for England was awarded to Great Fosters (pictured above) in Egham, Surrey, while Harbour Hotels took the prize for AA Hotel Group of the Year.
Richard Young, Managing Director at Great Fosters Hotel, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Great Fosters has won. I am thrilled for everyone involved in this achievement – the shareholders, board, management and all the staff.”
Claude Bosi, chef-patron of Claude Bosi at Bibendum in London, was named Chefs’ Chef of the Year and the Restaurant of the Year for England prize went to Sorrel in Dorking.
Steve Drake, owner of Sorrel, said: “I’m delighted with how quickly and positively Sorrel has been received in less than a year. We’ve worked hard to create an enjoyable and immersive dining experience, and to win this award in recognition of that is a huge achievement.”
The awards ceremony saw three restaurants – Claude Bosi at Bibendum (London), Core by Clare Smyth (London) and Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms (Ormskirk) – scoop five AA rosettes. Seven restaurants received four rosettes and 28 collected three rosettes.
The full list of AA award winners for 2018 are:
AA Hotel of the Year
AA Hotel of the Year for England – Great Fosters hotel, Egham, Surrey
AA Hotel of the Year for London – Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
AA Hotel of the Year for Scotland – Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, St Andrews
AA Hotel of the Year for Wales – Trefeddian hotel, Aberdovey, Gwynedd
AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland – Bishop’s Gate hotel, Derry-Londonderry
AA Restaurant of the Year
AA Restaurant of the Year for England – Sorrel, Dorking, Surrey
AA Restaurant of the Year for London – Sabor
AA Restaurant of the Year for Scotland – The Newport restaurant, Newport-on-Tay, Fife
AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales – Machine House restaurant, Wrexham
AA Pub of the Year
AA Pub of the Year for England – The Crafty Baa, Windermere, Cumbria
AA Pub of the Year for Scotland – The Pot Still, Glasgow
AA Pub of the Year for Wales – The Nags Head Inn, Garthmyl, Montgomery
AA Chef of the Year
Claude Bosi, chef-patron, Claude Bosi at Bibendum, London
AA Lifetime Achievement Award
John Stauss, former general manager, Four Seasons Hotel London Park Lane
AA Hotel Group of the Year
Harbour Hotels Group
AA Housekeeper of the Year Award
Ewa Bialonas, head housekeeper, Hambleton Hall, Oakham
AA Eco Hotel of the Year
Oakley Court, Windsor, Berkshire
AA Wine Award
AA Wine Award for England – The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, Wiltshire
AA Wine Award for Scotland – Timberyard, Edinburgh
AA Wine Award for Wales – Park House restaurant, Cardiff
AA College Restaurant of the Year
The Brasserie, Milton Keynes College
AA Foodservice Award
Margot, London
AA Customer Choice
Sofitel London St James
