I probably should have stopped to think why @simonfhouston1 was asking me to fill out a questionnaire on food memories, flavour twists and dessert confessions a couple of weeks before a planned meeting. It led to an outstanding lunch at a @houstonandhawkes site, certainly much more down to the skill of the chefs than my detailed answers. The meaty generosity of the main was all my own fantasy – much more than required of a Wednesday lunch, but absolutely brilliant even on what felt like the first day of Spring. Just the best suet pudding and sirloin. Extremely impressed by the banoffee pie update too.
There are many highlights in my role, but few come close to the pride and admiration I feel at the Caterer’s Hotelier of the Year event.
This is our oldest award, having recognised outstanding hoteliers since 1983. I always feel incredibly privileged to be in their company, particularly when the past winners assemble for an exclusive dinner the night before the announcement of the new Hotelier of the Year – it can only be described as the best club in hospitality.
These individuals really do exemplify the best of UK hospitality with humility, grace and a dedication to service and approach to every interaction which can only be admired. And it helps they’re all great company!
So welcome @thesavoylondon managing director Franck X. Arnold to this exclusive group. Extremely well deserved recognition.
Great thanks to outgoing Hotelier of the Year Gareth Banner and the team The Ned & Ned’s Club too for hosting the celebrations with such attention to detail (including the incredible Hotelier of the Year trophy cake!).
And thank you to @taylors for your support of this incredibly special award.
One of those pinch me moments. Dinner at the @rouxwatersideinnbray hosted by Alain Roux and Heston Blumenthal celebrating their mutual three Michelin star successes. 40 years of three Michelin stars at the iconic Waterside Inn (1985-2025) along with 30 years since its neighbour @thefatduck first opened and 21 years since it was recognised with three Michelin stars (2004-2025). Guests were treated to a menu that included Fat Duck classics such as mock turtle soup with a Victorian toasted sandwich, and ‘Like a kid in a sweet shop’. Waterside Inn dishes on the menu included Michel Roux’s pan-fried lobster medallion with ginger-flavoured vegetable julienne and white port sauce, and duo of roasted Pyrenean milk lamb, baby vegetables and morel mushrooms with minted hollandaise sauce. If that wasn’t enough Alain Roux invited pastry chef Jeff Oberweis, who holds the Royal Warrant to the Luxembourg royal family, to create a signature dessert of dark Sáo Tomé chocolate dessert with bergamot-scented pear and Koa sorbet. A once in a lifetime meal.
“The night I thought I might die I did a kitten puzzle”. Fascinating exploration of leadership from Lesley Woods from the Ministry of Defence to kick off The Caterer People Summit
A fascinating 24 hours in Oldstead seeing first hand the farm to plate ethos that makes @blackswan_oldstead and the whole Tommy Banks group so special. The care, attention and time given to growing, preserving and preparing such wonderful produce for the various restaurants is inspiring. Thanks for the time you spent showing, explaining and experiencing what makes the Black Swan unique with me too @tommybanks
Another wonderful evening @claridgeshotel celebrating the @goldscholarship winner. Congratulations to all 10 winning finalists and to the 2025 scholar Isabella Condon from Dinner by Heston at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Another hugely impressive individual who joins the ranks of the Gold Service Scholarship alumni. Fantastic to see the industry out in force to celebrate the awards. And hats off to Claridges for putting on another stunning event.
What an incredible experience at @rowon5london From the moment you enter the lounge area for canapes you know you’re literally in the hands of the talented brigade – as you meet most delivering the dishes. And they are all as superb as you might expect. @spencermetzger and @_jasonatherton have built a talented brigade who are not only great chefs but excellent at engaging guests as they move around the restaurant’s various areas. And in @roxane.dupuy there is a joyous and knowledgeable sommelier to provide guidance on the extensive wine list. Thanks to @salgowili and @johnwilliamschef for the insightful company - great to see such support for the Ritz alumni. And I even had my coat dry cleaned while I dined. What a night!
Finally made it to an Obsession evening @northcoteuk and what a treat. Such a wonderful atmosphere as @rafacagali from @daterrarestaurant delivered some stunning dishes. I got so carried away enjoying myself with my marvellous hosts @taylors and @andrewwildsmith that I only took a few shots, but they still demonstrate some of the skill on show. Congratulations to the Northcote team who were working their socks off to make each guest feel special (@craigbancroft@chef_lisa_goodwinallen ). And thanks for treating me to a lift back to the station in the Obsession branded Bentley!
At the absolutely stunning @thegleneagleshotel to celebrate outgoing Hotelier of the Year Conor O’Leary. Tomorrow will be the reveal of this year’s winner of this special award. For now it’s time to enjoy the incredible scenery and hospitality on show with Conor and a group of former winners. #hoty #hotelieroftheyear
