A Nottingham restaurant that has made plant-based food imaginative, sublime and the star of the show has been crowned the overall winner at the prestigious NottinghamshireLive Food and Drink Awards.
A relative newcomer, arriving on the food and drink scene just over two years ago, fine dining restaurant Alchemilla has made an impression on food lovers who enjoy the ingenuity of chef and owner Alex Bond.
The accolades are coming fast and furious, and the latest triumph is hot on the heels of the Derby Road restaurant gaining its first Michelin star.
Ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, cauliflower, elderflower, blackberry and wood sorrel are crafted into exquisite tasting menu dishes which can be paired with complementary wines. Scallops, crab, duck, and beef feature but in a supporting role.
It's not just the food which has the wow factor. The restaurant itself, once a neglected coaching house dating back to the Victorian era, provides a subterranean redbrick backdrop for dining with archways, skylights, an open kitchen by the entrance, and living walls.
The ceremony was a double celebration for the Alchemilla team, who also scooped the accolade for Notts' best fine dining restaurant, in addition to the overall prize.
Mr Bond said: "The last year has been mind-blowing. We’ve had so much success including the Craft Guild of Chefs' best new restaurant, our third rosette, the Good Food Guide's 'one to watch' and, of course, our first Michelin star.
"I have the best team I could want and the most supportive talented wife. We will just keep pushing and trying to be better tomorrow than we are today."
The awards, organised by NottinghamshireLive, with headline sponsor Bidfood and in association with Fraser Brown Solicitors, honour the best places to eat and drink across the county.
Hundreds of nominations for scores of cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs flooded in for the fifth annual event highlighting a raft of new talent and a number of old favourites.
A panel of judges, with wide experience of the food and drink scene, had the tough job of whittling all the entries down to just three finalists in each category. The shortlisted venues were then visited by mystery diners.
Nearly 300 movers and shakers from the local food and drink scene gathered for the black-tie ceremony, hosted by comedian and presenter Matt Forde, at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel.
A special award, presented in memory of much-loved Langar Hall restaurateur Imogen Skirving for outstanding achievement and dedication to the industry went to John Molnar.
The innovative chef and dynamic entrepreneur founded the hugely successful Cod's Scalllops fish and chip shops and his CV includes executive chef at Bluu restaurant in the Lace Market, a partner in the Moleface chain of gastro pubs, and more recently, Top Floor Development, a unique dining experience which blurs the line between kitchen and dining room.
Two Michelin-starred chef Sat Bains, who opts out of the competition to create a more level playing field, described Mr Molnar's work ethic as "ferocious."
"His commitment to driving his businesses forward are an inspiration," he said.
NottinghamshireLive editor Mike Sassi said: "The last 12 months have seen struggling national chains close their restaurants in Nottingham. Several big brands, including Carluccio's and Jamie's Italian have all disappeared from the city centre.
"But the demise of big nationals is creating opportunities for smaller, local entrepreneurs. We hope that tonight these awards will turn the spotlight on dozens more of the best places to eat and drink, in and around Nottingham."
Best New Venue
Winner: Kushi-ya, Cannon Court
Runners-up: The Radcliffe, Radcliffe-on-Trent, and Six Restaurant and Bar, Trent Bridge
Best Cafe or Express
Winner: The Little Deli, Carrington
Runners-up: Homeboys, intu Victoria Centre, and the Hidden Bakery, Eastwood
Best Drinks Venue
Winner: 31K, Goose Gate
Runners-up: Cottonmouth, Goose Gate, and 400 Rabbits, Hurts Yard
Best City Centre Experience
Winner: Nottingham Street Food, intu Victoria Centre
Runners-up: Bar Iberico, Carlton Street, and Baresca, Byard Lane
Best Out of Town
Winner: Porterhouse by Barlows, Annesley
Runners-up: Oliver's Pub & Kitchen, Eastwood, and The Cross Keys, Epperstone
Best Public House
Winner: The Plough, Normanton-on-the-Wolds
Runners-up: Robin Hood and Little John, Arnold, and A Room with a Brew, Derby Road
Best Retailer/Producer
Winner: Sauce Shop, Roden Street, Sneinton
Runners-up: Delilah Fine Foods, Victoria Street, and Tough Mary's Bakehouse, Derby Road
Best Family Venue
Winner: The Railway at Lowdham
Runners-up: Christine's Delights, Beeston, and Cafe Sobar, Friar Lane
Best Indian Restaurant
Winner: Calcutta Club, Maid Marian Way
Runners-up: MemSaab, Maid Marian Way, and Rikshaw Indian Kitchen, Sherwood
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Winner: Alchemilla, Derby Road
Runners-up: Iberico World Tapas, High Pavement, and World Service, Castle Gate
Outstanding Service
Winner: Tom Browns Brasserie, Gunthorpe
Runners-up: Bar Iberico, Carlton Street, and Cafe Piano, Radcliffe-on-Trent
Imogen Skirving Memorial Award
Winner: John Molnar
