GQ Food and Drink Awards 2021: Davies and Brook win big and Heston Blumenthal celebrated for lifetime achievement

The seventh annual GQ Food and Drink Awards, presented by champagne icon Veuve Clicquot, took place last night at Nobu Hotel Portman Square. Hosted by presenter and journalist Claudia Winkleman, the GQ Food and Drink Awards celebrated the very best of the British food and drink industry. 

Alexei Rosin of Moët Hennessy, commented: “Veuve Clicquot is delighted to be in its seventh year as the official partner of the GQ Food and Drink Awards. We are immensely proud to support and celebrate the UK hospitality industry, a cultural hub of talent that has continued to innovate and achieve so much, despite experiencing one of the most trying years. Huge congratulations to all of this year’s worthy winners and shortlisted candidates, and thank you for your continued dedication and outstanding contribution to the industry. We look forward to raising a toast with you all!”.

Each of the 15 outstanding winners was chosen by a panel of expert judges consisting of highly acclaimed chefs, esteemed writers and a seasoned eater or two, including Alexei Rosin, Oliver Peyton, Skye Gyngell, Ravinder Bhogal, Agostino Perrone, James Cochran, Honey Spencer, Rose Murray and Dylan Jones. The awardees were each presented with a Waterford Crystal ice bucket in recognition of their achievements.

Nick Sargent, chief business officer of Culture at Condé Nast Britain and publishing director of British GQ, commented: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to all the winners and the shortlisted candidates, who champion the best of the British hospitality business, both globally and locally. As we emerge from the toughest year on record for hospitality, GQ hopes to encourage a momentous return for the industry at large. A huge thank you to our panel of expert judges, as well as the GQ readers, whose votes continue to highlight what an excellent culinary scene we have here in the UK.”

Among the top honourees were Davies and Brook, for best restaurant, headed up by Daniel Humm at Claridge’s, London. Heston Blumenthal was also celebrated with a lifetime achievement award for his work in the industry, along with Santiago Lasta (of Kol in Marylebone) with best chef, and Stevie Parle (of Pastaio, Craft London, Palatino and Joy) with best restauranteur.

Here is the full list of winners at the 2021 GQ Food and Drinks Awards:

Best Restaurant – Davies and Brook 

Belvedere Best Bar – Dukes Bar

Best Interior – Kolamba

Best Front of House – Richie Corrigan at Daffodil Mulligan

Sustainability Award – Natoora

Best Breakthrough – Ravneet Gill

Best Hotel – The Pig at Harlyn Bay

Best Chef – Santiago Lastra at Kol

Veuve Clicquot Innovator – Charlie Mellor for Big Night

Best Overall Experience – Scott’s

Best Sommelier – Sabrina Manolio at Bar Des Prés

Editor’s Award for Best Restaurant Delivery Kit – Jason at Home 

Best Pub – The Olive Branch, Rutland 

Best Restaurateur – Stevie Parle for Pastaio, Craft London, Palatino and Joy

Lifetime Achievement – Heston Blumenthal

The editorial unit
Photos: James Mason (except header Filippo L’Astorina)

Full coverage of the seventh annual GQ Food and Drink Awards will be in the August issue of British GQ, on newsstands and available for digital download from 9^th July 2021. For further information about the awards visit here.