Blog
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A Genuinely Festive Affair
On Friday 12th January, Genuine Foodies gathered together in a belated Christmas event to celebrate 2017, re-living the highlights, whilst being treated to decadent dishes and plenty to drink. Penyard House, an historic Genuine Hotel hidden in the Herefordshire countryside, opened its doors from 3pm to welcome guests from all corners of the UK, with attendees representing all companies of Group Genuine.
Guests were welcomed to the evening celebrations by pre-dinner pimp-your-prosecco and Gin and Tonic bars, which were beautifully presented and expertly attended.
The ballroom was decorated with true care and attention to transform it into a glittering venue, from the starlight backdrop, led dancefloor right through to the gold backed chairs and name places.
And the menu? Well, it was utterly divine. From delicately cured salmon, exquisite beef and vegetable wellington, right through to rich, chocolate dessert balanced to perfection, it was a menu that deserved more than just a round of applause! The Penyard House team did a standout job, including Head Chef, Gareth Pembridge, Sous Chef, Rob Cook and the countless other staff members.
After dinner Chris Mitchell, Managing Director, gave a rousing speech from which covered not only the growth of Group Genuine in 2017, but also looked back to the origins of Genuine Dining and the staggering changes since its formation.
Attention was then turned to the awards. As tradition serves, the glittering trophies had been engraved, with the winner yet to be revealed.
Drumroll please, for our Group Genuine award winners 2017:
- Venue of the Year: Oxford University Press
- Rising Star: Prezmeck Piotrowicz, Feng Sushi
- Best Support Staff: Paul Housego
- Best Newcomer: Katherine McKenna
- Financial Performer: Café 200
- Chef Team of the Year: The Genuine Production Kitchen
- Manager of the Year: Bee Armstrong
- Amazing achievement award: Troy Dowden and the whole Honest Dining team
Under the starlit backdrop, the stage was graced with a dynamic band who played classic favourites right the end of the set, and later by our resident DJ Bruno Balbino who upped the tempo with energetic floorfillers that kept the dancing in action until the early hours of the morning.
A huge THANK YOU to Penyard House for hosting and organising an amazing event, and to all members of our Genuine Family who make it all possible!
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