York’s reputation as a city of foodie delights continues to grow.
Three independent eateries have been shortlisted for major national awards.
In the last few days French-British bistro Le Cochon Aveugle, small plates specialist Skosh and Tommy Banks’ Roots York have been named in the top 100 in the Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards 2019.
And the same awards have shortlised Skosh chef Neil Bentinck as one of the ‘chefs to watch’ – which “singles out an individual that is set to have a stellar 12 months (and more) ahead of them, regardless of age or experience”.
As you’d expect, the restaurants are all thrilled by the honour.
‘What an honour’
One of the 100 will be revealed as the Restaurant of the Year at a ceremony in June.
Chef Josh Overington and partner Victoria Roberts of Le Cochon Aveugle on Walmgate said they were “absolutely amazed and buzzing” to be in the top 100.
In a Facebook post, they wrote:
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This is an incredible list with some some truly amazing restaurants on it, and we are delighted to be named amongst them.
Voted by industry experts, this is a phenomenal achievement for our team and restaurant. What an honour – and, of course, huge thanks and congratulations to our team.
It isn’t the first accolate for the restaurant. It was named the fourth best restaurant in Yorkshire by Hardens Top 100 in 2018.
Super proud
As well as seeing his Micklegate restaurant Skosh named in the top 100, Neil Bentinck is one of only 12 ‘chefs to watch’ shortlisted from all the venues nationwide.
“The rankings always feature the most exciting places and the whole team at Skosh are massively honoured and super proud to be included,” they said on Facebook.
And Neil said he was “honoured and flattered” to be on the chefs shortlist.
Skosh has been a hit with diners and critics alike since it opened in 2016. It was named the Yorkshire Life Restaurant of the Year and received a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide the following year.
Meanwhile Roots York on Marygate – which only opened last September – said it was “incredible to be on this list in our first few months of being open, alongside our sister, the Black Swan at Oldstead too”.
Chef Tommy Banks added: “Such an honour. I always dreamt of having a restaurant on this list and this year we have two!”