Alper Zan named UK Restaurant Manager of the Year

Alper Zan from Café Rouge, Cheshire Oaks, has been named the Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) UK Restaurant Manager of the Year 2014.

He was presented with his award by AFWS president Roy Ackerman and John Thurso MP at a gala dinner held at London's Roof Gardens last night.

Amie Duncan from the Butchershop Bar & Grill in Glasgow was runner-up, with Ian Sturrock of the Arts Club, London, in third place.

As winner, Zan receives a week at Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, sponsored by the Savoy Educational Trust.

Thurso said: "We live in a world where we are always connected. To me the three great luxuries are time, space and human contact. That's what a great front of house expert gives you and those three ingredients can be delivered from one- to five-star level."

All six finalists were interviewed by the judges on their business acumen, management ability, and food, wine and service knowledge. They were also assessed in their own establishments.

Former winner, chair of the judges and Babylon restaurant manager Peter Avis added: "I am delighted we've got such a worthy winner. Alper Zan demonstrates real commitment, a sound knowledge of food and wine and customer service as well as the ability to manage his team."

The six finalists were:
Amie Duncan, the Butchershop Bar & Grill, Glasgow
Dace Lace, Bat Globe House, London
Karen Lee, the Cavendish hotel, London
Sunnil Panjabi, the Punch Tavern, London
Ian Sturrock, the Arts Club, London
Alper Zan, Café Rouge, Cheshire Oaks