Inverness restaurant named best newcomer in Scotland

An Inverness restaurant was named the best new restaurant in Scotland at a glittering awards ceremony in London last night (24 October 2005).

Abstract Restaurant received this year’s Restaurant Rémy Award for Scotland, based on the largest survey of diners in the UK.

Barry Larsen, Director, travelled to London with Head Chef Loic Lefebvre to collect the award: "We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award. The Restaurant Rémys acknowledge the UK’s up and coming restaurants and it’s great to be recognised for our achievements this year.

"This award is based on the reviews of ordinary people who have dined in Abstract and believe our food and dining experience to be one of the best in Scotland.

This is the third prestigious accolade for Abstract since it opened earlier this year. The restaurant was voted Best Hotel Restaurant in Scotland by industry insiders and Inverness Restaurant of the Year by local magazine readers.

And more could follow. Abstract is short-listed for a Highland Tourism Award, due to be announced in November, and Barry Larsen is one of the culinary giants to be nominated for this year’s Spirit of Scotland Award for food.

This year’s Restaurant Rémy Awards are based on 93,000 reviews submitted to guide book publisher Harden’s by over 8,000 restaurant-goers across the UK in the country’s most comprehensive survey of diners. Now in their fourth year, the Restaurant Rémy Awards recognise emerging talent within the UK restaurant scene.

Albert Roux presented the winning plaques to ten regional and ten London restaurants, recognising the restaurateurs who have shown a passion and dedication to creating excellent cuisine over the last12 months.

End