Scotland's best hotels and restaurants have been named at this year's AA Hospitality Awards at a glittering ceremony in London. Returning with an in-person ceremony for the first time in three years, and hosted by TV presenter Gabby Logan, the awards honoured the best hospitality establishments in the UK across twenty-six categories.
These included the AA Restaurant of the Year, the AA Hotel of the Year, the AA Wine Award, and Three and Four Rosette awards. Scottish venues which won big included The Cellar in Anstruther in Fife, The Balmoral in Edinburgh and Edinbane Lodge on the Isle of Skye.
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media said: "It was great to be back at Grosvenor House after three years and to celebrate the greatest hospitality establishments across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"The past few years have been incredibly tough for the hospitality sector, from lockdowns to travel restrictions, supply chain issues to the rising cost of living, but these awards have highlighted how our industry, time and time again, has worked tirelessly to overcome adversity and create unforgettable experiences for the public.
Read more: Skye restaurant Edinbane Lodge awarded four AA Rosettes
"We would like to congratulate all the winners and shortlisted establishments for their hard work, passion and dedication to providing hospitality to the highest standards."
The overall Scottish winner in the restaurant category was The Cellar in Anstruther in Fife, with Billy Boyter’s restaurant, which is housed in a 17th-century former smokehouse and cooperage in the picturesque fishing village, praised for its "superb technique" and "well-defined flavours".
A proud Billy Boyter said: “I’m not the type of chef that is driven by accolades or awards. However, having The Cellar named as the AA’s Restaurant of The Year for Scotland is an incredibly humbling and special moment. Especially when you look at the standard of some of the restaurants we have in Scotland now.
"I know this means a lot to all of the team. I could see how proud they were once I shared the news with them. And I know this means a lot to my parents. They have put as much into this restaurant as anyone. If it wasn’t for them The Cellar wouldn’t have even been here. They really do deserve it as much as anyone.”
Scotland Hotel of the Year was named as The Balmoral in Edinburgh, with the AA Inspector stating: "Bedrooms and suites are stylishly furnished and all boast a thoughtful range of extras and impressive marble bathrooms. Hotel amenities include a Roman-style health spa, extensive function facilities, a choice of bars and two very different dining options – Brasserie Prince is bustling and informal eating, while Number One offers outstanding Scottish and international fine dining."
Tom Kitchin's The Bonnie Badger in Gullane was picked out as Restaurant with Rooms of the Year, while UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers in Glasgow took home the wine Award. New Four Rosette winners included Edinbane Lodge on Skye and The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant in Crieff, while in the Three Rosette category, The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool and HAAR in St Andrews were named.
The recently reopened Cameron House on Loch Lomond was named as the latest hotel in Scotland to receive the prestigious Five Red Star category.
The Scottish winners of the AA Hospitality Awards 2022 are:
Restaurant of the Year
- The Cellar in Anstruther in Fife
Hotel of the Year
Restaurant with Rooms
Wine Award
New 4 Rosettes
- Edinbane Lodge, Edinbane, Isle of Skye
New 3 Rosettes
New 5 Red Stars
Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.
Read more:
The Scottish Asian restaurants named the best in the country by top awards
Autumn in Scotland: Where to go to see the colours change
7 cosy Scottish villages and towns that are just wonderful for an autumn wander
P&O Ferries planning to add dog-friendly lounge on Cairnryan-Larne route
