Something many in the village have already discovered is now being recognised across the County. Our very own Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant in Milford on Sea has been shortlisted for 2 awards in this year’s Hampshire Food & Drink Awards. The restaurant serves spectacular fish based cuisine together with a level of service and experience of the highest standard. Indeed dining at Verveine contains many surprises and an element of theatre.
Having only opened in February 2010 Verveine is excellent by any standards, and it is great to see them putting themselves, and the village, on the map far afield. Verveine had been nominated, and then won through to a final shortlist of three in two categories. Firstly the are up for the ‘Best Restaurant’ Award against Chessel Rectory in Winchester and Pebble Beach in Barton on Sea. David Wykes has also personally made the final shortlist for the ‘Best Chef’ Award, competing against the head chefs from The Aviator in Farnborough and the Chessel Rectory in Winchester.
Verveine, and its competitors for the awards, will face their final judging in the coming weeks, with them all attending to hear the results at a black tie gala awards evening organised by Hampshire Life magazine. The awards ceremony takes place on August 25th at the elegant Four Season’s Hotel in the Georgian manor, Dogmersfield House, near Hook.
The whole Verveine team are rightfully proud of their recognition and Stacey’s excitement I am sure could be heard from miles around. Many fingers in the village are crossed that they bring home a trophy, or hopefully two!
The Verveine team may also have a surprise on the night, as a big bloke in the village has been bemused to discover he has made the shortlist for the ‘Hampshire Life Recognition Award’. This is apparently an award to celebrate the individual who has made the most impact on a local food community.
I suspect there can only really be three reasons for this particular nomination. One, the award recognises someone who eats the most in restaurants across the county. Two, they have got him confused with someone else. Three, someone thinks it will be funny to see a big bloke being choked by a bow tie at a sweltering awards evening in August!