Black Isle double delight at hospitality showcase
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A BLACK Isle cafe has been named Scotland’s best choice for casual dining at the third Scottish Hospitality Awards.
Fortrose Cafe won the north casual dining title at the awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Glasgow Hotel, before going on to beat the three other regional winners to the overall Scottish title.
Owner Janet Gray admitted that even when she looked at the official winners photographs from the night, she found it hard to believe they had won both the local and Scottish titles.
"It came as a complete surprise," she said.
"The competition was really strong in the north finals. We’re not yet four years old and just a small cafe and we were up against some quite well established opposition.
"Then to get the national award after that was unbelievable. We are just completely delighted."
The Black Isle had another winner in Old Drynie House Bed & Breakfast, Kilmuir, which was named north Bed & Breakfast of the year.
Husband and wife owner-operators Alasdair and Deirdre Mackenzie said they were thrilled to have won, especially given the high quality of the nominees.
"We started out a few years ago, blessed with an outstanding property," they said.
"We’ve built on that very solid foundation and very much believe that guests coming to our home are part of our family for as long as they are here."
The Stables Restaurant and Grill in Fort William also claimed a national title winning both the Scottish and north restaurant of the year.
Tigh na Sgiath Country House Hotel in Dulnain Bridge competed the line up of Highland winners by claiming the north hotel award.
The Scottish Hospitality Awards 2018 acknowledged the success of Scotland’s hospitality sector, from pubs and restaurants to festivals and family attractions, with the winners chosen by members of the general public.
The black tie event, hosted by STV radio presenter Zara Janjua, attracted around 200 guests and finalists and also raised funds for charity partner, The Well Foundation.
