London’s Sketch restaurant has won the 2007-2008 AA Wine Award, beating competitors in the ‘England’ and ‘overall’ categories.
Judges cited the Soho restaurant’s ‘clear and inviting’ wine list and good variety of Champagne in jeroboam and magnum. Decantercolumnist Andrew Jefford is Sketch’s wine consultant.
The Bell at Skenfrith won the same award for Wales.
The AA London Restaurant of the Year award went to Trinity Restaurant in Clapham, southwest London, while the Chelsea-based Tom Aikens restaurant won for a new category, the 5AA Rosette Award, for its ‘superb and clear distinct flavours’.
The Durham Ox in Crayke was named AA Pub of the Year for its real ales, choice of wine and traditional pub fare.
The AA Restaurant of the Year Award went to Tanners Restaurant in Plymouth.
Other plaudits include the Chefs’ Chef Award, which went to Michael Caines (of Gidleigh Park in Dartmoor), as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award for the Roux Brothers, owners of Le Gavroche and Brasserie Roux in London, as well as the Waterside Inn in Bray, near Maidstone.
The AA (Automobile Association) has been inspecting and rewarding hotels since 1908.
Written by Maggie Rosen
