The London Restaurant Festival has come to a close for another year, which means it's time to give out the prizes to the best in show. The winners gathered at the revamped Vinopolis by Borough Market to hear who was going home with something new for the mantelpiece.
The usual "best festival menu" awards are complemented with awards focusing on service (aka Understanding of Ceremony), vibes (Warmth and Welcome) and best chain (aka High Street hero).
Unsurprisingly, Dabbous was crowned a well-deserved Best Restaurant - particularly as LRF founder Fay Maschler had called it 'a game-changer' in her review. And we were pleased to see Pitt Cue's Tom Adams get the credit he deserves. 'You're so young!' growled MC Roni Ancona who was in charge of presenting the awards. 'Has everyone been to Pitt Cue?' she asked the audience. 'Of course you have, you're all so happening!'
Will Beckett of Hawksmoor picked up a gong for warmth and welcome - 'you're loved by online food geeks,' trilled Roni. 'not sure that's a compliment.'
The list of winners is as follows:
- One person's passion – Tom Adams (Pitt Cue Co.)
- Warmth and welcome - Hawksmoor
- Understanding of ceremony - Sushi Tetsu
- Discovery - The Gate Islington
- Fun - Copita
- High Street Hero: Jamie Oliver
- Eros Spirit of London - Sam & Sam Clark (Moro & Morito)
- Restaurant of the year - Dabbous
- Best £10 festival menu - Cinnamon Soho
- Best £20 festival menu - Oxo Tower
- Best £30 festival menu - The Rib Room and Restaurant
- Best £40 festival menu - Cocohan
- Foodiest pub: Drapers Arms
