Brian named the golden boy of Scottish restaurants

Brian Maule struck gold tonight when he was named Scotlands top chef for his work at Glasgows Chardon dOr restaurant. He beat Dominic Jack of Castle Terrace in Edinburgh , Graeme Pallister of Perths 63 Tay Street and Adam Stokes of Glenapp Castle in south Ayrshire, to win one of the main titles in the 2012 Catering in Scotland (CIS) Excellence Awards. Appointed head chef at the Roux Brothers world famous Michelin starred London Restaurant at the age of only 24, Maule opened his French style Chardon dOr (in English Golden Thistle) in 2001. The judges said he was respected for his business acumen as well as cooking skills at the West Regent Street restaurant and commented: Despite being in the kitchen most days he still finds time to inspire and encourage youngsters to join our industry. At the Awards, organised in partnership with Caterer.com and attended by more than 450 guests at a black tie dinner at Glasgow Hiltons Hotel, Edinburghs 21212 took the Restaurant of the Year category. Run by last years Chef of the Year Paul Kitching, it finished ahead of Martin Wisharts restaurant at Cameron House on Loch Lomond and Jacks Castle Terrace. Wishart, who won two top titles in the Awards first year in 2004, missed out on another success when his The Honours Brasserie in Edinburgh was pipped by Craig Millars 63 West End at St Monans, Fife for the Restaurant Newcomer prize. Judges said 21212 stood out on all levelsThe menu sounds complex but the kitchen delivers clarity of flavours and brilliant textures that make each plate of food intriguing but at the same time a delight to eat. More than that, our winner has the wow factor.

Craig Millar@63 West End was described as a true gem. Judges praised the quality of the ingredients, friendliness of staff, clear presentation of the food and situation of the restaurant. Finalists, drawn from the North West to the Borders and virtually everywhere in between, were described by Neil Thomson, convenor of the Awards Advisory Board, as highlighting the immense talent, creativity and excellence within the industry. All three finalists in the Independent Hotel category came from the North West with the Summer Isles at Achiltibuie near Ullapool edging out Loch Melfort at Ardfern and the Lovat, Loch Ness, with the latter taking the Sustainable Business Award. The Summer Isles makes its own sea salt, breeds its own sheep and cattle, and makes maximum use of local products including soaps, cheese and chutneys. Pub Excellence Award winner The Bridge Inn at Ratho, Midlothian, sets the standard for every pub in Scotland, the judges reported. Everyone has a vision of their perfect pub and this ticked all the boxes. From friendly and informed service to excellent local sourcing and a well thought out menu, it delivered at every level, they added. There was a Lifetime Achievement Award for Peter Taylor, founder and owner of the Townhouse group of hotels which include Blythswood Square in Glasgow and the Bonham in Edinburgh. The event, at which guests enjoyed food and drink from some of Scotlands top suppliers, was hosted by broadcaster Shereen Nanjiani.

Chef of the Year sponsored by Baxter Storey Winner: Brian Maule, Chardon dOr, Glasgow Runners-up: Dominic Jack, Castle Terrace, Edinburgh

Graeme Pallister, 63 Tay Street, Perth Adam Stokes, Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae

Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions Winner: 21212, Edinburgh Runners-up: Castle Terrace, Edinburgh Martin Wishart at Cameron House, Loch Lomond

Restaurant Newcomer sponsored by Border Hospitality Ltd Winner: Craig Millar@16 West End, St Monans, Fife Runners-up: Mithas, Leith The Honours Brasserie, Edinburgh

Independent Hotel of the Year sponsored by GRAM Winner: Summer isles Hotel, Auchiltibuie, Ullapool Runners-up: The Lovat Hotel, Loch Ness Loch Melfort Hotel and Restaurant, by Oban

Pub Excellence Award sponsored by Sodexo

Winner: The Bridge Inn at Ratho, Midlothian Runners-up: The Sorn Inn, Mauchline, East Ayrshire The Anderson, Fortrose, Black Isle

Independent Event Caterer co-sponsored by Blue Arrow Catering and ScotHot 2013

Winner: Ginger Snap, Edinburgh Runners-up: Gill Orde in Catering, Kelso Appetite Direct, Edinburgh

Healthier Scotland sponsored by The Healthyliving Award in association with Healthier Scotland Winner: Entier team at Robert Gordons College, Aberdeen Runners-up: RawFresh, Aberdeen ARAMARK at BP North Sea HQ, Aberdeen

Innovation in Training sponsored by Caterer.com Winner: Compass Scotland

Runners-up: Extra-Mile.com, Edinburgh Compass Group, UK and Ireland (In-store division) Entier Ltd

Contract Catering Chef of the Year co-sponsored by ASA Recruitment and Tods Murray LLP Winner: David Ward, Sodexo Runners-up: Lindsay Prior, Inspire Catering Keith Donaldson, Baxter Storey Scotland

Sustainable Business sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland Winner: The Lovat Hotel, Loch Ness Runners-up: New Lanark Mill Hotel The Scottish Caf and Restaurant, National Gallery, Edinburgh

Excellence in Hospitality Education sponsored by Premier Foods Winner: Adam Smith College, Kirkcaldy Runners-up: Langside College Sodexo Partnership, Glasgow

City of Glasgow College

Judging Advisory Board: Wendy Barrie, Scottish Food Guide, Dr Claire Brown, healthyliving award, Stephen Carter, De Vere Cameron House Resort, Fergus Chambers, International Leadership School David Cochrane, HIT Scotland, Andrew Fairlie, Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Nick Gourley, Blue Arrow Catering, Stephen Jardine, Taste Communications Ray Lorimer, Catering At Your Convenience, James Thomson, The Tower, The Witchery and Prestonfield Edinburgh Jeremy Wood, BaxterStorey.

ENDS