A chef at one of Bath’s top hotels and a cookery school in a village near the city were among the winners at the South West’s top food awards.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s chef Dan Moon landed the Best Chef title while Vale House Kitchen at Timsbury came away with the Best Cookery School trophy at the Food Reader Awards 2020. 
The awards celebrate the best of the region’s chefs, restaurants and retailers as voted for by thousands of readers of Food magazine and website. More than 100,000 votes were cast.
Dan, pictured, beat close competition from some of the region’s top chefs – with Nicholas Hack of The Cadeleigh Arms, Devon, Oliver Certain of The Swan Bampton, Devon, and Philip Verden of Lord Poulett Arms in Somerset shortlisted.
Dan said: “I am honoured, shocked and incredibly excited to have taken home the Best Chef award this year.
“It’s always great to be recognised among a line-up of fantastic talent from across the region and to know that these awards are voted for by the public is even better.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to vote and show their support, 2020 is set to be an amazing year with lots coming up for our guests to enjoy.”
Originally from Exmouth, Devon, Dan previously worked at a number of top restaurants in the Bath area, including head chef of Hunstrete House, Homewood Park Hotel and Ston Easton Park Hotel, where he has achieved numerous awards, including three AA Rosettes and The Caterer’s Acorn Award.
He joined the 99-room, five-star Gainsborough in 2016.
Vale House Kitchen, which was opened in 2011 by Bod and Annie Griffiths, pictured, in the village of Timsbury, south west of Bath, offers a wide range of cookery and baking courses as well as a unique opportunity to acquire or hone fishing, shooting, foraging, brewing and butchery skills.
Its courses cater to all levels from beginner to expert and are taught by some of the best South West’s culinary professionals. Courses are limited numbers to between eight and 10 participants per class to ensure an intimate, hands-on and inspiring experience.
The awards ceremony was staged at Darts Farm near Topsham, Devon, and hosted by Jo Rees, editor of Food magazine editor and one of its publisher Salt’s founding directors.
Jo said: “Our region is a leader in the hospitality industry and a showcase for some of the best produce in the UK, so it’s fantastic to see many of our best chefs, restaurants, producers and foodie hotels given a massive ‘well done’ by our readers.”
Bath cocktail bar The Dark Horse in Kingsmead Square was a finalist in the Best Cocktail Bar category.
