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Pierre Koffmann who received his award in front of an audience of over 750 members of the hospitality industry, commented, ‘It is always nice to be recognised in the industry. To be nominated for this award by my fellow chefs makes it all the more special.’

Pierre Koffmann has been cooking up a storm in the culinary world for over four decades.  His career has seen him working all over Europe before his love of rugby brought him to England in 1970.   On arriving in London, he worked for the Roux brothers before opening his now legendary restaurant, La Tante Claire in 1977.  Three years ago Pierre came out of retirement and a year later Koffmann’s at The Berkeley opened to critical acclaim. 

Simon Numphud, Manager of AA Hotel Services said, ’Pierre Koffmann is without question one of the finest chefs we have seen in the UK and we are delighted that his fellow chefs have chosen him for this very special award this year.’

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The award winners

AA Lifetime Achievement Award

The award recognises professionals within the hospitality industry who have committed their lives to the pursuit of perfection within their discipline. Winners of this award are to be congratulated for making significant fundamental contributions to the industry which have had a notable impact, and must have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to progress in their field.

Antonio Carluccio OBE

With a career that has spanned five decades, Antonio Carluccio first came to Britain in 1975 when he took a job as a wine merchant selling Italian wines.  He is best known in this country for his white hair, gentle manner and above all for a lifetime of passion and dedication to food, cooking and the wonderful ingredients and traditions of his beloved Italy.

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AA Hotel of the Year

England: Lime Wood, Lyndhurst

This delightful property has a true country house feel where rooms have been fitted with no expense spared. This hotel offer flawless service and warm welcoming, unpretentious hospitality. This hotel truly sets the scene for the future of country houses; high tech, traditional, unpretentious, yet outstanding at the same time

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Scotland: The Torridon, Torridon

The Torridon is a beautiful hotel, which was once a grand shooting lodge and enjoys an idyllic location in 58 acres of parklands with stunning views over the magnificent sea loch.  With a three AA Rosette restaurant and award winning Whisky Bar this is truly a special place which encompasses all that is true Scottish hospitality in an elegant and peaceful country house backdrop.

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Wales: Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, Llandudno

The truly unique setting on Bodygallen Hall really sets this hotel apart from the competition.  The building, which has now been handed to the National Trust, sits in over 200 acres of beautiful parklands and gardens, with spectacular views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle. 

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London: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, London

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This iconic hotel, which is Park Lane at its finest, has undergone an impressive refurbishment incorporating renowned artwork and stylish design.  Hospitality is the Four Seasons way, with a home from home feel, yet high professionalism from an extremely well drilled team.  All rooms have been appointed to a very high standard with guest comfort and technology in mind.

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AA Restaurant of the Year

England: The Church Green British Grill, Lymm

Recently relaunching the operation as The Church Green British Grill with two AA Rosesttes.  Aiden’s classical signature dishes and an exciting tasting menu, diners can enjoy amazing steaks sourced from small Cheshire farms. 

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Scotland: Rogano, Glasgow

This iconic restaurant first opened in 1935 and is the oldest surviving restaurant in Glasgow.  It was fitted out in Art Deco style as a replica of the great Cunard liner, the ‘Queen Mary’.  The restaurant specialises in the finest fish and seafood from Scottish waters. 

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Wales: Sosban, Llanelli

Located in Llanelli’s North Dock, Sosban Restaurant is situated in a Grade II listed building which was completed in 1900 and once supplied hydraulic power to the docks. Staff are friendly and the service is efficient.  Their ethos is ‘no pomp or fuss; drink, eat and be merry’ creating a relaxed enjoyable ambience. 

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London: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London

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Heston’s first London restaurant opened to much acclaim and over 18 months later diners are still flocking there in their droves.  This stylish restaurant is housed in Knightbridge’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel and as you would expect from this renowned chef, the operation is innovative both in terms of cuisine and décor. 

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AA Wine Awards

Sponsored by T&W Wines

England & Overall: L'Etranger, London

L’Etranger has a remarkable wine list with superb listings.  It proved to be an exciting list that judges found difficult putting down. The depth of vintages is outstanding and their pricing policy, with a guarantee to lower the list price further if a lower price for a particular wine in London is found, is highly commendable.

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Scotland: Castle Terrace Restaurant, Edinburgh

At Castle Terrace Restaurant you will find an impressive, well chosen list that is extremely well laid out and presented. Since opening in July 2010, Castle Terrace Restaurant’s wine list has grown from a humble list to an inspiring selection of over 250 wines, embracing new and old wines with less known varietals and countries showcasing originality, mirroring the philosophy of wines for everyone.

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Wales: The Felin Griffin, Brecon

The well chosen list at The Felin Fach Griffin is beautifully laid out. Quality choices are offered both by the glass and carafe as well as a good list of sherries. Good pricing and a clear commitment from all the team in promoting and understanding wine makes the Felin Fach a worthy winner. 

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AA Pub of the Year 

England: The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale

Located in the conservation village of Ravenstonedale, this delightful village inn is not just a pub, it is a central hub for the community.  Family owned and run, there is a relaxed atmosphere here with very friendly service. 

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Scotland: West Brewery, Glasgow

Set in the imposing Victorian ex-Templeton Carpet Factory building on Glasgow Green, West Brewery is the only brewery in the UK to follow the German purity brewing laws of Reinheitsgebot. 

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Wales: The Inn at Penallt, Monmouth

Located in the peaceful village of Penallt on the edge of the Wye Valley, this rural inn was bought by Andrew and Jackie Murphy almost three years ago.  They have spent some time restoring and renovating this property to create the traditional pub and restaurant they dreamed of running. 

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AA Small Hotel Group of the Year

Sponsored by Beacon

Winner: Cotswold Inns & Hotels

Cotswold Inns and Hotels comprise of seven hotels located in the beautiful Cotswolds.  Privately owned, the individual style of the hotels is modelled on the quintessential English country home, relaxing, friendly and enchanting with award winning food and wine. 

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AA Hotel Group of the Year

Sponsored by D-ENERGi

Winner: Hand Picked Hotels

Hand Picked Hotels, created by former City lawyer Julia Hands, is the leading collection of architecturally splendid country house hotels. The portfolio of 17 properties boasts a unique collection of exquisitely refurbished country house hotels set in beautifully maintained grounds, offering the highest standards of cuisine and service, making each guest’s stay a memorable one.

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AA Eco Hotel Group of the Year

Sponsored by British Gas Business

Winner: Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

With hotels located across the country, Macdonald Hotels and Resorts believe it has a responsibility to minimise its impact on the local and wider environment.  Its extensive environmental and sustainability policies guide how they do this and, starting five years ago, these policies saw a reduction in carbon output by 2000 tons in the first year. 

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AA Eco Hotel of the Year

Sponsored by British Gas Business

Winner: The Green House, Bournemouth

The AA Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises a clear commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through good practice and policy to make a positive contribution to reducing impact on the environment.  In addition to the standard eco steps such as energy saving lightbulbs and recycling, The Green House in Bournemouth has spent the past four years instigating over 100 eco initiatives to make sure that guest are spoilt without spoiling anything else.

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AA New Five Rosette Award

Sponsored by Villeroy & Boch

Winner: Hibiscus, London

Claude opened Hibiscus restaurant in May 2000 in Ludlow, Shropshire and in 2007, Hibiscus re-located to London. Just off Regent Street, where the equanimity of Mayfair meets the hustle of West End shopping, is a restaurant that shines like a beacon, lighting up the London dining scene with its poise and passion. Hibiscus is Claude Bosi’s gaff, where six days a week he cooks up a storm (alongside head chef Marcus McGuinness), delivering food grounded in French classical cooking, based on superb ingredients from artisan producers, and displaying a rare talent for innovation and imagination.
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New Four Rosettes

Sponsored by Villeroy & Boch

Casamia Restaurant, Bristol
Pollen Street Social, London
Seven Park Place by William Drabble, London
The Pass at South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding