Quo Vadis in London’s Soho scooped the Restaurant of the Year award on Monday night at the Tatler Louis Roederer Restaurant Awards 2009.
The Dean Street modern British restaurant, restored to its former glory in May 2008 by Spanish brothers Sam and Eddie Hart (of Fino and Barrafina fame), was praised for its excellent food, impeccable service and impressive art collection.
During the ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge, gongs were awarded in 11 categories including Fabulous Food, Best Young Chef and a new category; Best Value Set Lunch.
Mark Hix of the popular Smithfield eatery Hix Oyster & Chop House won Restaurateur of the Year for his no-nonsense, predominantly UK sourced menu that changes daily, while Dominic Chapman picked up the Best Young Chef award for his culinary wizardry at The Royal Oak in Berkshire.
On the wine front, the Best Sommelier award went to Lucio Penetra of L’Oranger, St James’s Street.
Michelin-starred chef and veteran restaurateur Raymond Blanc, owner and head chef at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons near Oxford, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
On presenting the award, Michel Janneau, executive vice president of Champagne Louis Roederer, praised Blanc’s boundless passion and innate understanding of the British palate.
Written by Lucy Shaw
