BEST EATING EXPERIENCE

This category opens Monday 17th March at 10:00am and closes Monday 28th April at 23:59pm

In Scotland there are eateries to suit every occasion and budget. This category is designed to recognise restaurants and eateries that provide an exceptional experience for diners, as well as a warm Scottish welcome.

We are celebrating those with a quality food and drink offering, promoting local Scottish produce. Businesses should have sustainability at their heart, with a responsible approach to food sourcing and waste, and strive to support the local community.

Who Should Enter:
Any business which considers its main activity to be providing customers with a distinctive, memorable experience centred around Scottish food and drink.

Entry Questions

Executive Summary
The purpose of the Executive Summary is to give judges a general overview and better understanding of your business. Although not an exhaustive list, some examples of the type of information judges will be looking for are listed below. This question is not scored and is for background information only. 

  • Types of services on offer
  • Size and purpose of your business
  • How long you have been operating 
  • Any other information you feel is relevant

 

1.   Please demonstrate your approach to delivering an exceptional dining experience. Please provide examples of what sets you apart from the competition.

You should provide clear evidence of activity and outcomes within the time period 1st May 2024 – 31st March 2025.

  • The attention to detail paid to all aspects of the dining experience – from pre-arrival (digital presence and booking procedure) through to post-visit – to ensure all needs are proactively met and the experience is personalised for every diner 
  • The unique aspects of the menu or eating establishment on which your diners comment most positively  
  • The ways in which you intentionally bring a sense of place to the dining experience – showcasing Scottish produce at its best. What local/Scottish suppliers do you works with? How do you communicate the provenance to diners?
  • Any training or development your team has undergone to provide consistent standards across their service and knowledge of plates and produce
  • Any examples of collaboration and partnership you may have with other high-quality suppliers and/or tourism providers to create an enhanced experience for your diners

 

2.  What steps are you currently taking to develop your business? What do you hope to achieve and how are you measuring success?  

You should provide clear evidence of current developments and how benefits will be monitored / measured, eg. through diner feedback, increased revenue, target market statistics. Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as:

  • Enhanced strategy for staff recruitment, training and retention
  • Plans for new and innovative menus or events
  • Obtaining accolades such as the VisitScotland Taste our Best award and AA Rosettes
  • New collaboration and/or partnership working

 

3.  Our communities, natural and cultural heritage are what make Scotland so unique.   Please demonstrate your commitment to protecting our natural environment and developing sustainable and inclusive business practices.  

Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as: 

  • Developing a climate action plan; achieving green awards; green champions within your business; promoting sustainable practices undertaken in your eatery, eg. Managing and minimising food waste; reducing waste from packaging; prioritising produce with low food miles
  • Providing for diners with access requirements; creating and promoting an access guide on your website; employee training; ensuring menu choice and range caters for various dietary preferences and budgets
  • An intentional approach to using seasonal and local produce; working with local businesses, craftspeople and suppliers; hiring local staff
  • Proactively encouraging diners to enjoy other tourism activities in the local area; sharing the history of your eatery, dishes or staff (if in family-run establishments, for example); reflecting the community and local area in your dishes

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