Sommelier was won by Sonal Clare at Purnell’s and Best Restaurateur went to Karam, Sunaina and Jyotin Sethi - the Sethis have turned their talents to plentiful and varied establishments. From Sri Lankan Hoppers, to an unconventional take on American hotdogs at Bubbledogs, the JKS portfolio covers a lot of ground and the trio have played their part in the diverse London food scene.
Best Front of House was Sandia Chang, she was also celebrated at the 2017 Michelin Guide UK awards when she was presented with Welcome and Service Award alongside James Knappett of Bubbledogs. On her GQ Award she said: "Came home tonight with “Best Front of House” from @britishgq but mostly honoured and proud to be a part of the @jks_restaurants family who won “Best Restauranteur”."
Ruth Rodgers from River Cafe received this year's Lifetime Achievement Award, and GQ wrote: "Last year was the 30th anniversary of the opening by Ruth Rogers with her late business partner, Rose Gray, of one of London’s most iconic restaurants. Famously intended as the canteen for Richard Rogers’ architectural practice, River Cafe has built its reputation by serving flawlessly simple, seasonal Italian food and the ingredients are still at the centre of everything Rogers does. The tables are filled with a who’s who of London’s most interesting people and chances are the next Jamie Oliver is in the kitchen right now..."
