Prezzo, M&B and Compass big winners at Menu Innovation Awards

27-Mar-2011 - Last updated on 26-Apr-2021 at 16:56 GMT

Ann Tysoe of Oak Farm Foods presents Compass's Nick Vadis with the Head of Food award

Prezzo, Mitchells & Butlers and Compass’s Nick Vadis have all been named winners in the Menu Innovation Network’s annual Menu Innovation and Development Awards (MIDAS).

The awards, which are now in their third year, recognise the “outstanding talents of menu development managers and group executive chefs in the multi-unit and chain restaurant sectors of the foodservice industry”.

A team of mystery diners and judges, with experience of multi unit menu operations, visited each venue nominated over the course of six weeks.

Jamie Petch of Ember Pub & Dining by M&B was given the best Branded Pub Restaurant award, while Paul Lewis of Prezzo walked away with the best Casual Dining Restaurant gong.

Nick Vadis, head of Compass Group, was presented with the Head of Food award.

All the winners were presented with a place on the Menu Innovation Network’s five-day research trip to Chicago in May.

The winners of the 2011 Menu Innovation and Development awards are:

Branded Pub Restaurant
Jamie Petch, Mitchells & Butlers for Ember Pub & Dining

Breakfast
Michael Pearson, Intercontinental Hotels

Casual Dining Restaurant
Paul Lewis, Prezzo

City Bar Dining
Ben Keggans, Orchid Group for Living Room

Coffee / Sandwich Shop
Fiona Cramp, Eat

Community Pub
Ben Jelley, Marston’s Inn and Taverns

Dessert
Simon Xavier, The Restaurant Group for Frankie & Benny’s

Fairtrade
Jane Wakeling, Compass Group

Head of Food
Nick Vadis, Compass Group