The Craft Guild of Chefs has revealed its shortlist of the best seven branded restaurants in the UK, and is now calling on its members and chefs to vote for their favourite in 2020.
Andrew Green, CEO, National Craft Guild of Chefs, commented, “During these unprecedented times the Craft Guild of Chefs has decided to try, where possible, to continue to recognise the work and successes that the hospitality sector had before COVID-19 and its devasting impact on the industry.
'By shining a light on the very best in our industry, the Guild hope to demonstrate its support for, and belief in, the community of chefs that it represents.
“This is a great opportunity for our members and chefs to be able to recognise those that have really stood out in the past year. So please vote and show your support and bring some good news to our sector.”
The shortlisted restaurant brands are: Bill's Restaurants, Café Rouge, Côte Brasserie, Las Iguanas, Leon Restaurants, Pho and Wagamama. Voters have until Friday 17 April to decide their winner.
The shortlist was put together by this year’s judging panel, the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Committee, headed up by Steve Munkley, Executive Head Chef of the Royal Garden Hotel, London.
Munkley said, “It was not easy to get our final shortlist of seven, this is really a tough category and any one of these branded restaurant groups could be a winner. There is no bigger honour than being voted for by your industry peers.
'This was a new category at the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Awards last year where Miller & Carter were crowned the favourite. Who will it be this year? Only your vote can decide that.”
To be eligible for consideration into the category, each of the restaurant groups had to have a minimum of 20 sites under the same brand, covering at least five towns or cities in the UK. The menu also had to be at least 75% the same in all locations.
The restaurants were judged on food quality and consistency. Menu variety and originality, wine list suitability to menu, restaurant design, ambience and consistency, and finally, service quality and consistency.
The winner of the Chefs’ Favourite Branded Restaurant Award will be revealed at the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards ceremony on Thursday 11 June 2020 at Magazine, London.
Last year's winner Keith Edwards of Miller & Carter is pictured being presented with the award by Katlin Ambos of category sponsor Santa Maria. Also in the picture - President of the CGOC Vice Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt and Award’s host, James Tanner.