Two Cornish establishments have been named the best at this year's prestigious AA Hospitality Awards in London.
Senara Restaurant in Penzance was crowned AA College Restaurant of the Year, a testament to the exceptional training provided by Truro and Penwith College.
Meanwhile, The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, helmed by celebrity chef Rick Stein, secured the coveted Best Food Service of the Year award.
As well as this, the Spires Restaurant in Truro secured the runner-up position for College Restaurant of the Year.
Senera and Spires, operated by Truro and Penwith College, were among only three national finalists, showcasing the exceptional quality of training provided to their 250 cookery and hospitality students.
The award was presented by TV and radio broadcaster and Celebrity MasterChef winner Angellica Bell at a ceremony held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House.
Having not one, but two, college restaurants make the final is the icing on the cake for the associate director for occupational studies at Truro and Penwith College David Izzard who said: "Consistently winning prestigious industry awards like this gives the students belief and confidence and fills employers and future students with the knowledge our courses are delivering the excellence in training the sector are looking for.
“This is not just a triumph of hospitality excellence, but a beacon of inspiration for our learners and a testament to the relentless dedication of our staff, whose efforts have cultivated an environment for growth, innovation, and the blossoming of future opportunities for our learners, showing that they can look, reach and go further.”
Senara’s win marks the second time the restaurant has been crowned the best in the country, having previously received the prestigious AA College Restaurant of the Year Award in 2022.
The team at The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow said they were “delighted” to have won the coveted AA Food Service Award.
The restaurant’s front-of-house team was praised for their “sparkling hospitality” and described as “relentless ambassadors for the food and the local area”.
“Charlie Stein, director at Rick Stien Restaurants said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive this award from the AA. Restaurants are all about food and hospitality and this award is recognition for the entire team who go above and beyond to provide an outstanding guest experience, sharing our passion for seafood and bringing people together to create lasting memories.
“With nearly 50 years of service under our belt, we look forward to continuing to do what we do best and look forward to welcoming customers through our doors in Padstow for many years to come.”
The full list of the AA Hospitality Awards can be found here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-13885419/The-UKs-best-hotels-restaurants-2024-AA.html.
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