A YEAR OF AWARDS FOR THE VINEYARD AT STOCKCROSS

As The Vineyard at Stockcross approaches its 10th anniversary they have notched up a platter of awards that has set them apart from their contemporaries. Now as the year draws to a close it has been awarded yet another prestigious accolade, the Relais & Châteaux Gourmands label, which denotes 'excellence in service, wine cellar and cuisine'.

In January 2007 The Vineyard Restaurant was awarded a 2nd Michelin Star, thanks to Chef John Campbell and his team, showcasing The Vineyard as one of just five hotels in the UK to obtain a 2nd Michelin Star.

In September the 2008 The Good Food Guide placed The Vineyard as the '9th best restaurant in the UK' with The Fat Duck in Bray as the highest rated restaurant in the country, Gordon Ramsay's Chelsea restaurant at number 2 and Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons at number 3.

With October came the news that The Vineyard's wine list had won two awards from Conde Nast Johansens for 'Best Range of Wine by the Glass' and the 'Connoisseur List', as well as the hotel being short listed for Johansens 'Most Excellent Service' Award. The hotel was also nominated by Prix Villégiature as the 'Best Charming Hotel in Europe' for 2007.

November saw The Vineyard carrying off the annual Caterer and Hotelkeeper Magazine 'Catey Award for Food and Wine Service'. Since their inception in 1984, the Catey awards have celebrated the hospitality industry's high flyers, strongest performers and finest brands.

John Campbell was presented with the 'Catey' which represented excellent knowledge of food and wine, menu appreciation, food and wine matching, recommendations for different tastes and, of course, the correct way to serve a variety of dishes. Judges were particularly impressed by a single team having to deal with breakfast, lunch, dinner, room service and private dining, without losing sight of the consistency of a 2 Michelin star property.

The recently launched 2008 Relais & Châteaux Guide features The Vineyard alongside the best Relais properties around the world. Relais 'Gourmands' in the UK that already possess this award are Le Gavroche in London, The Fat Duck, The Waterside Inn, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons and Gidleigh Park.

So with this new award from the Relais & Châteaux Guide, a 2nd Michelin Star, The Good Food Guide, Catey Food and Wine Service Award, Johansens 'Best Range of Wine by the Glass' and the 'Connoisseur List', a short listing for Johansens 'Most Excellent Service' Award, and a nomination for 'Best Charming Hotel in Europe', proves that The Vineyard at Stockcross is an international benchmark for culinary and oenology excellence.

For more information on The Vineyard at Stockcross, visit www.the-vineyard.co.uk.