eviivo marketing veterans, Paul Saxby and Ian Hardwick are no stranger to a black-tie event with the brightest stars of the UK’s independent hospitality industry – and Monday night was no exception. The AA’s Hospitality Awards took place at Grosvenor House, Park Lane on 23rd September and were attended by over 1,000 guests from restaurant and hotel industry, including stars like Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge.
The awards ceremony was hosted by BBC newsreader Kate Silverton, who gave the event a certain gravitas, and the food was, as you can imagine at a restaurant industry awards event, pretty special. The menu was created by Claude Bosi, the chef patron of acclaimed restaurant, Bibendum, which itself has been awarded 5 AA Rosettes.
Award categories included Hotel of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Hotel Group of the Year, Pub of the Year, as well as more niche categories, like Eco Hotel of the Year and Housekeeper of the Year.
We were delighted when Pub of the Year for England and Scotland went to our customers, Three Daggers and Meikleour. According to the AA,
“The AA Pub of the Year is selected with the help of our AA inspectors.
These pubs stand out for being great all-rounders, combining a convivial atmosphere, well-kept beers and ciders, excellent food, and of course, a warm welcome from the friendly and efficient hosts and their staff.”
The Three Daggers, Edington, Wiltshire, was awarded Pub of the Year for England, sponsored by Cobra beer. The pub has plenty to offer locals and visitors looking for a comfortable and characterful place to stay. Bare tables, mismatched wooden chairs, exposed brick and heritage colours add to the informal country pub feel, as does the seasonal modern cooking.
The pub has been an eviivo customer since 2013, offering guests a luxury accommodation and providing treatments at its very own Spa Barn.
The Meikleour Arms, in Blairgowrie, Perth, has been an eviivo customer since 2012 and boasts 11 comfy bedrooms and 5 cottages for guests to rest their weary heads.
The popular country estate inn with stylish, boutique accommodation welcomes both locals and visitors who come to the area for fishing and shooting.
Also announced on the night were new AA Rosette winners, including users of eviivo’s booking software, The Salutation, Wild Garlic and Old Downton Lodge, who have been customers of ours for the best part of 10 years.
The celebrations continued into the early hours and our marketing team attendees were rather sheepish the next day. We look forward to next year’s AA Hospitality Awards, and of course, our very own eviivo Awards on October 15th!