David Hennigan named UK Restaurant Manager of the Year

Hennigan, who also manages the Crown at Celtic Manor Resort in Monmouthshire, triumphed in the Academy of Food & Wine competition held at London’s Babylon restaurant, yesterday.

Michele Caggianese, restaurant manager at Galvin at Windows at the London Hilton on Park Lane, was runner-up.

The final included wine tasting, wine and food matching, management skill scenario, and a task involving finding errors on a menu and mistakes in a room laid out ready for service.

Each finalist was also asked to write and present a written business plan for a new restaurant launch.

Good communicator​

Judge Paul Breach, vice chairman of the Academy of Food & Wine, said: “David demonstrated to the judges that he had a very broad skill set in food and wine, business and training. He is also a very good communicator. When challenged his answers were considered and knowledgeable.”

Hennigan receives a study-tour week in New York, staying at The Mave and will complete stage at one of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group properties.

This year’s judges included Silvano Giraldin, formerly of Le Gavroche; and Peter Avis​, restaurant manager at Babylon and last year’s Restaurant Manager of the Year winner. 

Last month Christopher Delalonde​ was named as the academy’s UK Sommelier of the Year 2010.