Sian Buchan, co-owner and restaurant manager at Northumberland’s Restaurant Pine, took part in the final stages of the Institute of Hospitality’s (IoH) Restaurant Manager of the Year awards at London’s Hotel Café Royal.
Hundreds of applicants entered the awards, which each year celebrate the very best restaurant managers in the industry.
A total of 15 semi-finalists, drawn from across the UK, made it through to the next round – including staff from Galvin at Windows, London; Hilton on Park Lane, London; The Refuge, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester; The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland; and Dakota, Leeds.
The finalists were then invited to the capital to compete in a full day of tasks set by the 12 judges – with Sian ranked joint first at the end of the day and progressing to the final four and a further series of tasks.
Despite Sian’s earlier success, she was pipped to the post, losing out to runner-up Liam Simpson from The Strathearn at The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland and overall winner Christie Hayes from the Beach House, Oxwich in Swansea, Wales.
Sian said: ‘’To have the opportunity of competing alongside my peers from around the UK has been a fantastic experience. There’s no doubt in my mind that the professionalism on display throughout the competition demonstrates that the future of the industry we all love is in safe hands. I’d like to congratulate Christie on her hard-earned victory and everyone else who took part in getting this far. Hopefully, I’ll return next year!”
