Edinburgh Scoops Three Hospitality Awards

Four Scottish establishments were celebrating last night after winning national recognition at the AA Hospitality Awards 2013.  Held at the London Hilton on Park Lane, the AA awards recognise outstanding excellence in hospitality. The 2013 Scottish winners, three of whom are from Edinburgh, were

• AA Hotel of the Year for Scotland – Cringletie House, Peebles
• AA Restaurant of the Year for Scotland – Ondine Restaurant, Edinburgh
• AA Wine Award for Scotland and Overall Winner – The Witchery By The Castle, Edinburgh
• AA Pub of the Year for Scotland – The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh

Attended by world-renowned chefs, prominent hoteliers, hospitality gurus and key industry media, the AA Hospitality Awards are amongst the most prestigious national awards of their kind and draw on the unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the AA inspectorate and other industry professionals involved in the judging process. Winners are selected in recognition of excellence and success within their chosen category, having shown a significant improvement in the preceding 12 – 18 months and proving their dedication to raising industry standards and enhancing both their guest and diner experiences.

AA Hotel of the Year Scotland: Cringletie House, Peebles

This romantic baronial mansion, built in 1861, is set in 28 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland.  Guests can enjoy the walled garden with its 400 year old yew hedge, a waterfall, sculptures and croquet lawn. Commenting on the award Johanna van Houdt said, “After ten years of hard work, Cringletie House Hotel, its owners and the entire team are proud and delighted with this award.  We trust that all our guests have such an experience that they can say ‘They are worth it’.”

AA Restaurant of the Year Scotland: Ondine Restaurant, Edinburgh

Ondine’s central horseshoe shaped crustacean bar is both a feature of this restaurant and a declaration of intent – this place is about top notch Scottish seafood dished created by Chef Roy Brett.  At the awards, Roy Brett said, “On our fourth anniversary, this award is an amazing reward for all the hard work by the entire Ondine team.  We owe our business to our amazing staff, our fantastic customers and the bounty of the sea.  This award proves we are doing the right thing.”

AA Wine Award for Scotland and Overall Winner:
The Witchery By The Castle, Edinburgh

At The Witchery guests will find a superb list which keeps their interest throughout.  With clear strength and depth, the wines have been expertly chosen. The great pricing policy ensures good value at all levels, together with intelligent tasting notes.

AA Pub of the Year, Scotland: The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh

The Sheep Heid Inn, dating back to 1360, is the oldest surviving public house in Scotland.  After a fantastic refurbishment it is now known for delivering outstanding food in a comfortable and warm atmosphere making the Sheep Heid one of the most desirable places to dine in Edinburgh.
Speaking at the awards David Jardine said, “We are thrilled that our hard work has been recognised at such a high level and a fantastic new chapter in our old pub’s story.”

As well as the sought after awards the evening also saw the launch of the best-selling 2014 AA Lifestyle Guides which promote the AA’s range of assessed, recommended and quality-assured places to eat and stay throughout the UK and Ireland. This year, guests were treated to a sensational three course gourmet meal created by five AA Rosette-awarded chef Sat Bains, in conjunction with the Hilton Park Lane kitchen team as well as a breathtaking display from members of the Strictly Come Dancing cast.