2012-10-1 — /travelprnews.com/ — Jersey has secured its spot as one of the top foodie destinations in the UK with the launch of the 2013 AA Restaurant Guide at the AA Hospitality Awards in London last night. The island’s restaurants now have 32 AA rosettes in total, making Jersey one of the most highly awarded holiday destinations in the whole of the British Isles. Of the 32 rosettes awarded this year, 15 were awarded to members of Luxury Jersey Hotels. The AA Hospitality Awards also saw recognition for Luxury Jersey Hotels member L’Horizon Hotel & Spa as their UK hotel group, Hand Picked Hotels, was named AA Hotel Group of the Year.
The island’s AA rosette success is a barometer of the quality of local restaurants, and marks yet another accolade in a year of triumph for Jersey’s culinary industry, which has seen the number of Michelin star restaurants increase from two to three, all of which are proudly held within the Luxury Jersey Hotels stable, as well as a prestigious ‘Restaurant Chef of the Year’ award from the Craft Guild of Chefs for Richard Allen, Executive Head Chef at Grand Jersey’s Tassili restaurant.
Patrick Burke, owner of The Atlantic Hotel and Ocean Restaurant, one of only 19 hotel restaurants in the UK to hold four AA rosettes or above along with The Club Hotel & Spa and Bohemia Restaurant said: ‘The AA Awards are among the most prestigious national awards of their kind and as Chairman of Luxury Jersey Hotels which represents five of the restaurants named in the 2013 AA Restaurant Guide, I am delighted that Jersey has once again been recognised as a destination which leads the way when it comes to culinary excellence. Our island is internationally renowned for its rich produce and seafood, and it is extremely rewarding to see our chefs acknowledged for their expertise in showcasing local ingredients with such style and innovation.’
The AA rosettes are awarded following at least one unannounced visit by the AA Hotel and Restaurant inspectors, who assess the restaurant on the basis of the entire meal, including ancillary items. Establishments must demonstrate that they serve consistently good quality ingredients cooked with care and understanding to be in with a chance of receiving a coveted rosette. The AA estimates that just 10% of the restaurants in the UK are of a standard that is worthy of one rosette or above.
Jersey’s AA Rosette restaurants
One rosette
Awarded to restaurants achieving standards that stand out in their local area, serving food prepared with care, understanding and skill, using good quality ingredients.
- The Boat House
- Green Island Restaurant
- Greenhills Country Hotel
- The Montana Restaurant, Hotel Savoy
- The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant
- The Retreat Restaurant, Hotel La Place
- The Salty Dog Bar & Bistro
- Seasons, Best Western Royal Hotel
Two rosettes
Awarded to excellent restaurants aiming for and achieving increasing standards and consistency. A greater precision is apparent in the cooking, and there will be obvious attention to the selection of quality ingredients.
- La Chaire Restaurant, Chateau La Chaire
- The Grill, L’Horizon Hotel and Spa
- Mark Jordan at the Beach
- The Oyster Box
- Sumas
Three rosettes
Awarded to outstanding restaurants that achieve standards that demand recognition well beyond their local area. The cooking is underpinned by the selection and sympathetic treatment of the highest quality ingredients. Timing, seasoning and the judgement of flavour combinations will consistently be excellent. These virtues tend to be supported by other elements, such as intuitive service and a well-chosen wine list.
- Longueville Manor
- Tassili, Grand Jersey
Four rosettes
Awarded only to the top restaurants in the UK, where the cooking demands national recognition. These restaurants exhibit intense ambition, a passion for excellence, superb technical skills, and remarkable consistency. They will combine appreciation of culinary traditions with a passionate desire for further exploration and improvement.
- Bohemia Restaurant, The Club Hotel & Spa
- Ocean Restaurant, The Atlantic Hotel