Pride of East Midlands scoop prestigious food awards

And to put the flambéd cherry on their award-winning cakes, their accolades were presented by elite Michelin-starred, five AA Rosette-winning French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

To see a gallery of pictures from the night click on the link (right).

The impossibly charismatic Frenchman took to the stage early on in proceedings, and instantly put some of the nervous nominees at ease with his effortless charm and dulcet tones.

He said: “First and foremost I want to say well done to all of you. Whether you take home a first place award or not, the fact that your customers have voted to put you here tonight makes you all winners.”

He went on to set the nerves of the host caterers jangling when he said: “I’m really looking forward to the food tonight – not least because I’m absolutely starving!”

Those of us lucky enough to share a table with Mr Novelli were entertained with anecdotes from his youth, making his way in the world - from shenanigans at passport control with a young Marco Pierre White, to meeting Madonna and Guy Ritchie in a McDonalds car park.

But the real stars of the show were the hard-working people attending the evening – from humble cafés to high-end restaurants – all made possible by the sponsors, including main sponsor, Long Clawson Dairy.

Winners of the Best Hotel category Stoke Rochford Hall were elated with their award.

Ali Bailey, Marketing Manager said: “We are delighted to have been declared Best Hotel Restaurant. It is a great honour and a reflection of the high standard of food and service here at Stoke Rochford Hall.

“It is particularly gratifying that this is an award voted for by our customers, who seem to enjoy the experience of relaxed dining in elegant surroundings.”

Neil Patel of Bombay Brasserie, Grantham – winners of Best Indian – said: “Our warmest thanks and appreciation to all our friends and customers who voted for us to achieve this exemplary award.

“We strive to achieve the highest levels of service, ambience and fine Indian dining. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone over the festive period.”

And the winners are:

Best Indian:

Bombay Brasserie, Grantham.

Customer Care/Front of House:

Elior Café at Tescos Skegness

Best Fast Food:

Scrummies Horncastle

Best Venue:

Mama Liz Stamford

Best Chinese/Thai:

Oriental Palace Boston

Best Tea Room/Café:

Greens Mancetter Sq P’boro

Best Hotel: Stoke Rochford Hall

Best Fish and Chips:

The Boundary Mkt Deeping

Best European: The Fox /

La Table D’Yves Thorpe Satchville

Best Gastro Pub: The Fox

La Table D’Yves Thorpe Satchville