Balmoral Hotel

Number one restaurant is delighted to announce the retention of its coveted Michelin star. Number one has held the prestigious accolade now for six years and remains the only hotel restaurant in Edinburgh to possess the award for gastronomic excellence.

The Michelin Red Guide 2008, which was published yesterday is the worldwide benchmark of culinary excellence against which restaurants measure themselves. The retention of the star at number one is a great recognition by the Michelin Inspector of the high-quality cuisine, as well as consistent service, comfort and the warm welcome the restaurant provides its customers. Jeff Bland, The Balmoral’s Executive Chef and his team constantly strive to create the perfect culinary experience for guests, placing an emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal produced ingredients. The number one’s Head Chef, Craig Sandle and his team have forged close relationships with many Scottish producers of fish, shellfish, herbs, vegetables and soft fruit, beef and game, sustaining the Scottish economy and helping reduce The Balmoral’s carbon footprint.

Number one Restaurant Manager of nine years and CIS Restaurant Manager of The Year 2006, Gary Quinn has an outstanding staff retention rate, at 71 per cent he is well above the industry average. Well respected within the restaurant industry and loved by his many loyal customers, Gary prides himself in creating a warm and relaxed restaurant ambience combined with friendly and professional service.

Indeed, 2007 was an extremely successful year for Jeff, Craig, Gary and their team collecting a total of eight accolades. Assistant Manager, James O’Donnell and Sous Chef Kevin Sutherland followed up the success of the Michelin Star in January 2007 by winning The International Copa Jerez, beating off stiff competition from competitors from around the globe and in February Sommelier Sam Aitken was awarded the Vintners Bursary at The WSET Awards for Excellence. The restaurant is the only Edinburgh restaurant short listed in the Fine Dining category for the inaugural “Scottish Restaurant Awards” – the winner of which will be announced on Monday night at a glittering award ceremony at the EICC.
 
Ivan Artolli, The Balmoral’s General Manager has said: “In my first year as General Manager at The Balmoral, I am delighted to be celebrating the huge success of number one. The team in the restaurant and the kitchen are both first class and demonstrate a true passion for food and in providing an exceptional level of service to our customers. I am very proud of them and am looking forward to another great year in 2008.

-Ends-

For more information, images and requests for interviews
Jessica Trotter
PR and Marketing Executive
Direct line: 0131 622 8825    
Email: jtrotter@roccofortecollection.com  

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The Rocco Forte Collection was established in 1996 to create a group of luxury hotels in Europe. The hotels have individual styles, with each hotel reflecting its nationality and location. The properties are linked together under The Rocco Forte Collection, which guarantees attention to detail, quality and service delivery.

The Rocco Forte Collection includes:
- Hotel de Russie, Rome
- Hotel Savoy, Florence
- The Balmoral, Edinburgh
- The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
- Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg
- Hotel Amigo, Brussels
- Brown’s Hotel, London
- Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt
- Hotel de Rome, Berlin
- Le Richemond, Geneva
- The Charles Hotel, Munich

Future openings: 
The Augustine, Prague - 2008
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily – 2009
Marrakech - 2009

For further information and online reservations, please visit The Rocco Forte Collection website: www.roccofortecollection.com.

Angleterre Hotel, St Petersburg, is a deluxe four-star sister to Hotel Astoria.  For information and reservations, please visit www.angleterrehotel.com.