The Event

The third annual "Taste of Birmingham" festival which announced the
winners of the 2008 Taste of Birmingham Restaurant Awards 10-13
July) sponsored by Marketing Birmingham.  

Where was it?

The Gala Evening was held in the VIP enclosure at Birmingham's Cannon
Hill Park, marking the start of the weekend festival.


Who was there?
Celebrity chefs Aldo Zilli (Zilli's new restaurant -click here ) and 
Antony Worrall Thompson, pictured above . Big Brother 3 winner and
radio presenter Kate Lawler, Britain's Got Talent flair junkies Bar 
Wizards presented the awards at the Gala which was sponsored by
Eversheds solicitors. 

"Best Restaurant 2008" was presented by Kate Lawler to Michelin-
starred restaurant Simpsons which amassed four awards in total.


 Simpsons' Chef /Restaurateur Andreas Antona accepts award
What they said:
"The standard of Birmingham's food and drink offering goes from 
strength to strength and this was reflected in the quality of entries
into this year's Restaurant Awards. A big congratulations to the winners
and all those involved." 
Dave Hodgson, Marketing Director, Marketing Birmingham 

The Winners

•	Best Newcomer - Purnells, presented by Heart FM’s
         Ed James and Rachel New.
•	Best Service - Aria at the Hyatt, presented by Britain’s Got 
        Talent finalists and master flair bartenders; Bar Wizards.
•	Best Use of Seasonal Produce - Simpsons, presented by
         Director of Catering at University College Birmingham, 
         Bill Farnsworth.
•	Best Out of Town Restaurant - Saffron (Oldbury), presented
         by Richard Prowse of Eversheds 
•	Best Family Restaurant - Jimmy Spices, presented by Poet
         Laureate and Radio Broadcaster, Charlie Jordan
•	Best Business Lunch - Simpsons, presented by Glen Sturley,
         Lloyds TSB
•	Rising Star - Aktar Islam (Lasan), presented by former 
         England footballer and Sky Sports commentator, Don Goodman.
•	Chef’s Chef - Luke Tipping (Simpsons), presented by 
        Aldo Zilli. 
•	Outstanding Personal Contribution - Bill Farnsworth, 
        presented by Martin Blunos.
•	Best Restaurant 2008 – Simpsons, presented by Kate Lawler.






        RK  _________________________________________