Trencherman’s Guide readers voted in their thousands to crown the 2021 winners and show restaurants how much they’re appreciated
Rick Stein, Robin Hutson (The Pig) and Guy Owen (St Enodoc Hotel) were among the winners of the prestigious 2021 Virtual Trencherman’s Awards. The ceremony took place online over two nights (March 2 and 3) and the winners accepted their awards via video message (watch them here), sharing heartfelt thanks to the thousands of Trencherman’s Guide readers who voted for them in what’s been an incredibly tough year for the hospitality industry.
Over 10,000 votes were cast by Trencherman’s Guide readers who wanted to show their support for their favourite chefs, restaurants, pubs and hotels.
‘We want to show restaurants – whether small neighbourhood affairs, the Michelin-starred big names or the fine dining restaurants of upmarket foodie hotels – how much they are appreciated,’ said Trencherman’s Guide editor Jo Rees.
‘They are at the heart of the South West’s vibrant food and drink culture, not just for the wonderful dining experiences they create but also because Trencherman’s restaurants are the businesses supporting South West farmers and fishermen and providing professional hospitality jobs in the region.’
The annual Trencherman’s Awards are a highlight in the South West gastronomic calendar. The chef-studded ceremony is known as the best hospitality bash of the year (thanks to multi-course menus cooked by previous winners) and the awards are considered some of the most prestigious in the industry.
Winners and grand finalists of the 2021 Virtual Trencherman’s Awards:
Best Restaurant – sponsored by Total Produce
Winner: Number Eight
Finalists: Karrek, The Square at Porthleven, Crab House Cafe
Best Trencherman’s Chef – sponsored by Hallgarten & Novum Wines
Winner: Guy Owen of St Enodoc Hotel
Finalists: Jude Kereama of Kota Restaurant, Jeffrey Robinson of New Yard Restaurant and Olivier Certain of The Masons Arms
Best Trencherman’s Hotel – sponsored by Trencherman’s Guide
Winner: The Idle Rocks
Finalists: St Enodoc Hotel, Boringdon Hall, Housel Bay Hotel, The Eastbury Hotel, Two Bridges Hotel.
Award for Creativity and Innovation in Lockdown – sponsored by Sharp’s Brewery
Winner: Twenty Seven by Jamie Rogers
Finalists: The Oyster & Fish House, The Seafood Restaurant, Rock Salt Cafe & Brasserie
Award for Special Contribution – sponsored by PKF Francis Clark
Winner: Rick Stein of The Seafood Restaurant
Winner: Robin Hutson of The Pig Hotels
Best Trencherman’s Pub – sponsored by Frobisher’s
Winner: The Bear & Blacksmith
Finalists: The Bell Inn, The Barley Sheaf, The Crown Inn and Acorn Inn
Best Front of House Team – sponsored by Food Magazine
Winner: The Club House
Finalists: The Fig Tree @ 36, Penrose Kitchen, The Galley Restaurant
Best Bar List – sponsored by Salt Media
Winner: The Rising Sun
Finalists: Fletcher’s Restaurant, The Greenbank Hotel, Puro
Best Gourmet Food To-Go in Lockdown – sponsored by Indy Coffee Box
Winner: Restaurant GL50
Finalists: Pyne Arms, The Star and Garter, The Mint Room – Bristol
Discover exceptional places to eat and stay in the South West in the Trencherman’s Guide.
