David and Rona Pitchford,Read's, Faversham
The Pitchfords started business in a bankrupt mini-market in a small, isolated Kent village, using second-hand equipment costing just £35. Now in its 27th year, Read's, their restaurant with rooms at Macknade Manor, Faversham, boasts accolades in all the major British food guides, has three AA rosettes, and a Michelin star it has retained for 10 years.
It was the Pitchfords' ability to develop and grow the business while maintaining consistency and high standards which made them the winning choice for Independent Restaurateur of the Year 2003.
Judge Nick Vadis, executive chef of British Airways, praised the couple's dedication over the years. "They're worthy winners. Their longevity and ability to stay focused while maintaining standards is inspiring. The Pitchfords have also had the vision to take the business forward," he said.
A former BBC chef, David Pitchford opened Read's with his wife Rona, a lecturer in professional cookery at Westminster Hotel School, in 1977. In 1986 David won the Craft Guild of Chefs Chef of the Year award, and a year later was invited to join the Acad‚mie Culinaire de France. In 1993 Read's won its first Michelin star, and in 1998 David became vice-chairman of the Academy of Culinary Arts.
Stephen Moss, chairman of Springboard UK, was particularly inspired by David's dedication to the industry. In addition to his numerous industry contributions, David has trained many young stars of the profession. Mark Sergeant, head chef of Claridge's and this year's National Chef of the Year, worked at Read's during his formative years.
"David has created a wonderfully consistent restaurant business that has evolved and grown over the years, but he also put a lot into the industry. He's hugely respected by his peers," said Moss.
Last year the restaurant relocated to Macknade Manor, a Georgian building set in three-and-a-half acres. The manor's walled garden, on which the restaurant is reliant for 70% of its vegetable produce during summer months, has enhanced its distinctive menu that makes good use of local game and fish.
Gordon Campbell Gray, chief executive of One Aldwych, told the judges he was "in love" with the Pitchfords for their use of organic food as well as the reputation for high quality they have built.
Last year's winner of the award, Heston Blumenthal, chef-proprietor of the Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire, admired how much Read's had managed to accomplish despite difficult trading conditions.
"What they've achieved in today's financial environment is increasingly difficult," he said. "Economically, these days, it's harder to grow, but the fact that they have shows just how much drive they have."
Judges
HESTON BLUMENTHAL Chef-proprietor, the Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire
GORDON CAMPBELL GRAY Managing director, One Aldwych
ANDREW GUY Chief executive, City Centre Restaurants
STEPHEN MOSS Chairman, Springboard UK
NICHOLAS RETTIE Managing director, Great Eastern hotel
NICK VADIS Executive chef, British Airways
ALAN WALKER Executive director, Eaton Group
Previous Winners:
2002 Heston Blumenthal
2001 Shaun Hill
2000 Andrew Radford
1999 Annie & Germain Schwab
1998 Terry Laybourne
1997 Paul Heathcote
1996 Michael Gill
1995 Sally Clarke
1994 Sir Terence Conran & Joel Kissin
1993 Christopher Corbin & Jeremy King
1992 Nick Smallwood & Simon Slater
1991 David Levin
1990 Peter, Tom & Eugene McCoy
1989 David Wilson
1988 Albert Roux
1987 Victor Sassie
1986 Pierre Martin
1985 Michel Roux
1984 Richard Shepherd
Sponsored by: Brakes
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