Nobu Matsuhisa honoured as Cateys 2014 winners revealed
Iconic chef-restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa has won the inaugural International Outstanding Achievement Award at this year's Cateys, which took place at a glittering awards ceremony at London's Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, tonight (Tuesday 1 July).
The chef - famed the world over for his Nobu group of restaurants and emerging hotels brand - appeared in person to collect his award, alongside more than 1,200 of his peers at what is regarded as the Oscars of the hospitality industry.
With 29 restaurants spanning 15 countries, the award recognised Nobu as a giant of the international hospitality industry, having founded the world's most recognisable Japanese restaurant.
Meanwhile, William Baxter joined the likes of Albert and Michel Roux, Anton Mosimann and Richard Shepherd in winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his vast contribution to the evolution of foodservice - a sector that is all too often the unsung hero of hospitality - alongside his chairmanship of the board of trustees of one of the industry's foremost charities, Hospitality Action.
And Oliver Peyton, founder of caterer Peyton & Byrne and judge on BBC TV show Great British Menu, picked up the Special Award. Peyton has seen his career develop from being a mover and shaker on the club scene to make his name as an inspirational restaurateur and bon vivant. Known for being a champion of British produce, as well as being famed for his mantra "restaurants should be fun", Peyton has worked with some of the UK's finest culinary luminaries during their formative years, including Catey alumni Stephen Terry, Bruno Loubet and Jason Atherton, who described Peyton as a "visionary".
The trio were among 22 recipients of a Catey on the night, which also saw Andrew Fairlie pick up the Chef Award, Jason Atherton win Restaurateur of the Year - Independent and the Midland hotel in Manchester win Hotel of the Year - Group.
"This year's Cateys was the biggest event we have ever staged at the Grosvenor House in its 31-year history, and it was great to celebrate this landmark with the introduction of three new awards including an international Catey," said The Caterer editor Amanda Afiya.
"Year after year, we are very proud to welcome the finest restaurateurs, hoteliers, foodservice operators and chefs to the Cateys, but the introduction of an international element to the awards only added to an already electric atmosphere in the room. We congratulate all this year's award winners as they join our iconic Cateys Academy."
The event raised over £9,000 for industry charities Hospitality Action and Springboard.
Cateys 2014 winners
Best Marketing Campaign
University of Leeds
Manager of the Year
Peter Avis
Best Use of Technology
8 Northumberland Avenue
Accessibility Award
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Jason Atherton
Restaurateur of the Year - Group
Tim Bacon & Jeremy Roberts, Living Ventures
Sustainable Business Award
ODE True Food
Pub and Bar Award
Alex Reilley, Loungers
Education and Training Award
Geoff Booth
Best Employer Award
De Vere Village Urban Resorts and De Vere Hotels
Wine and Spirit Ambassador Award
Gerard Basset
Hotel of the Year - Group
The Midland hotel, Manchester
Hotel of the Year - Independent
The Atlantic hotel, Jersey
Health and Nutrition Award
InterContinental Hotels Group
Public Sector Caterer Award
Mary Wedge
Menu of the Year
Grain Store
Foodservice Caterer Award
Sue Parfett
Newcomer Award
Red's True Barbecue
Chef Award
Andrew Fairlie
International Outstanding Achievement Award
Nobu Matsuhisa
Special Award
Oliver Peyton
Lifetime Achievement Award -
William Baxter