Hampshire Hospitality Awards 2007/8

A new quality assessment scheme for restaurants, tea rooms, pubs, cafés and other eateries has recently been launched in Hampshire on behalf of the regional tourist board, Tourism South East.

Sixty food and drink businesses from the County signed up for the scheme and recently underwent a 'mystery shopper' assessment. The trained assessors considered every aspect of the customer experience including cleanliness, hospitality, service and efficiency, presentation and food quality. Businesses could also sign up for a separate assessment of their use and promotion of local produce.

All businesses were successful in obtaining either the full quality marque or a local produce award.

Project co-ordinator Sarah Davis, the manager of the Hampshire Tourism Committee, said:
"We are all familiar with the idea of star ratings for B&Bs or hotels, which are designed to help visitors decide which accommodation will best suit their needs. Eating out can potentially be a hit and miss affair when you visit a new destination so we felt it was time to introduce a scheme which provided a degree of reassurance to visitors planning their meal out as well as locals who want to try different eateries"

The project is being jointly funded by the Hampshire Tourism Committee, Hampshire County Council and the participating eateries. The national tourism body VisitBritain is already considering adoption of the assessment scheme with a view to national roll-out.

Find out more about the Hampshire Hospitality Awards