North-east restaurant triumphs at hospitality industry awards

05/11/2018
(L to R): The Silver Darling team celebrating the award win with host Sean Lock and Clara Shand of category sponsor, Tennents
(L to R): The Silver Darling team celebrating the award win with host Sean Lock and Clara Shand of category sponsor, Tennents

An Aberdeen restaurant is celebrating success after receiving a top industry honour.

The Silver Darling, which is based in Fittie overlooking the city’s harbour and beach area, has been named ‘Restaurant of the Year – Casual Dining’ at the 23rdannual Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) awards held at Hilton Glasgow Hotel.

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The SLTN awards celebrated & recognised Scotland’s best operators & venues in the hospitality and tourism sector, presenting more than 20 of their coveted corkscrew trophies to Scotland’s top pubs, clubs, restaurants, staff and operators in front of an audience of 700 at the glittering awards ceremony.

The Silver Darling was re-launched in February of this year following a major renovation which transformed the restaurant with new contemporary stylish interiors and an updated food & drink offering. The venue was acquired by independent hospitality business, The McGinty’s Group at the end of September 2017 and welcomed a new head chef and front of house management team to relaunch the restaurant on its new voyage.

Restaurant Manager at The Silver Darling, Abbie Michie, said: “Since launching in February, we have worked hard to create something special for Aberdeen so it is truly overwhelmed to be recognised with such a prestigious award. As an iconic restaurant, we were excited to revitalise the venue and throughout the refurbishment we were determined to retain the charm and character, whilst also making improvements and adding our style so we would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers who supported our vision.

“It has been a busy but fun nine months and to be recognised by the SLTN is a fantastic achievement for the team and an extremely proud moment for all involved.”

Operations Director of McGinty’s Group, Alan Aitken, continued: “The SLTN awards continues to shine a spotlight on the fantastic hospitality sector in Scotland and we are delighted that we managed to come home with an award. The Silver Darling was first launched in 1986 and through investment and hard work, we have given the venue a new lease of life and we are very proud to represent Aberdeen in front of the industry’s top venues.”

SLTN editor, Gillian McKenzie, added: “SLTN has reported on, and for, the Scottish licensed trade for more than 50 years and while trading conditions today might be tougher than they’ve ever been, the standard of premises has never been higher. Pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels play a vital role in Scotland – as the heartbeat of communities, in providing a warm welcome to tourists and as major employers, and their importance must not be overlooked.

“The SLTN Awards is all about celebrating the very best of Scotland’s licensed trade and the standard this year really was exceptional. I’d like to congratulate all of our SLTN Award winners and highly commended finalists who deserve enormous credit for displaying the high standards, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit our industry is renowned for.”

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