A LYDFORD couple scooped one of the catering industry?s top awards when were named ?Pub and Bar Operator of the Year? at a recent London ceremony.
Philip and Karen Burgess of the Dartmoor Inn were presented with the prestigious Catey award by TV presenter Carol Smillie during a star-studded gala evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
Karen described the ceremony as ?fantastic? ? ?It was just like the Oscars. We were amazed,? she said.
Referred to as the Oscars of the catering industry, Catey awards are one of the most sought-after accolades in the hospitality trade with previous winners including Gordon Ramsay, Rick Stein and Raymond Blanc.
Philip and Karen Burgess took over the Dartmoor Inn five years ago, just before foot and mouth wreaked havoc with the moor?s tourism industry, but have nonetheless turned the pub into one of the most highly acclaimed rural inns in the UK.
Forbes Mutch, group editor of Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine, said: ?The Dartmoor Inn has won numerous awards for its excellence in food, as well as being a traditional watering hole for the whole community.
?Philip and Karen?s hard work and creativity is an inspiration for others to follow and they thoroughly deserve this recognition.?
Karen and Philip received their solid bronze Catey sculpture in front of an invited audience of 900 and have now given it pride of place on the Dartmoor Inn bar.