Best Newcomer Restaurant

Sponsored by Chelmsford Borough Council (visit website)

Chelmsford Borough Council

This category is open to all restaurants that have been trading for two years or less. We are looking for the restaurant that goes the extra mile to ensure you come back for more. Has this restaurant made an impact on you because of their excellent service and attention to detail? Or is it the comfort and ambience of the restaurant and the great food on the menu? Does the maitre de that greets you on arrival and looks after you throughout your meal make you want to go back for more?

Judged by: Chris Grace, Inward Investment Manager and Councillor Neil Gulliver

Chris manages the Inward Investment, Economy and Growth Service at Chelmsford Borough Council. He is responsible for bringing jobs and investment into the Chelmsford area, working with partners to secure a strong local economy and the co-ordination of initiatives to secure sustainable growth of Chelmsford. Since gaining a BA(Hons) in Politics and an MA in Town and Regional Planning, Chris has worked in a variety of roles in town planning, economic development and performance management in local government. He is passionate about economic development and support for business and entrepreneurship and, having worked in Chelmsford since 1995, is now a leading figure in this field of work in Essex.

Elected to Chelmsford Borough Council in 1999, Neil has been keen to promote all things local and in particular new business. His portfolio on the council includes Planning and Economic Development. He is keen to see tourism grow locally and is committed to the role that hospitality plays in economic growth. In his business life Neil has a strong interest in environmental issues and how they impact upon tourism. He is a director of Green Hotel Certification Ltd where he is working with major hotels throughout Europe on how they can reduce their carbon footprint. In particular Neil is keen to encourage the use of locally sourced produce, bringing improvements for both producer and consumer.