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Three Angus business picked up gongs in the 2025 Courier Business Awards held at the Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa in Dundee.

Leading the way was WEECook who claimed two prizes on the night, with Hayley Wilkes picking up the prize for Entrepreneur of the Year and WEECook itself being awarded Producer of the Year.

Carnoustie was also well to the fore with two prize-winners on the night; Fallones Pizzas & Gelato coming up trumps in the Street Vendor of the Year category and The Craws Nest topping the list for Community Champion.

As well as celebrating the best culinary businesses from across Tayside and Fife, the awards also showcased five courses from top chefs.

These included private chef and and experienced event caterer Gabor Baranyai, who made the canapes; Perth chef/director Praveen Kumar, of Tabla and Praveen Kumar Ready Meals, who delivered the starters, Kamil Gloeh, executive sous chef at the Rusacks Hotel 18 Restaurant in St Andrews, who prepared the fish dish; Apex Hotel head chef Laura Duffy, who provided the main course; and Heritage Portfolio executive head chef Paul Hood, who prepared the dessert.

Editor of The Courier, David Clegg, said he was delighted to see such an innovative group of applications this year, which made it extremely tough for the judges with a huge number of entries received.

He said: “Every year, the bar is raised, and 2025 is no exception.  The volume and quantity of entries we’ve received highlight the sheer talent, ambition and dedication that define Courier Country’s food and drink sector.  This industry is about more than great produce – it’s about innovation, sustainability and the people whose passion drives it forward.

“From traditional family-run businesses to bold new ventures, these awards show the lifeblood of our local economy.

“Food and drink is at the heart of Courier Country’s success, providing jobs, supporting communities and putting this region on the map.

“It is a privilege to recognise the achievements of those who continue to push boundaries and ensure that Courier Country remains a leading force in Scotland’s food and drink scene.”

Brian Stormont, editor of The Courier’s Food & Drink magazine, added: “The standard of entries this year was astonishingly high and it was a really tough job for the judging team.

“In my eyes all the nominees are winners.

“We have so many incredible restaurants and producers in our area and I am fiercely proud of what they all do in a very tough working environment.”

The full list of winners are:

Bar of The Year, sponsored by Diageo – The Barrelman.  Highly commended – Bruach

Brewer of the Year – Futtle.  Highly commended – Wasted Degrees Brewing.

Chef of the Year, sponsored by Stagecoach – Dhaneshwar Prasad, Dhoom Streetery and Bar.

Community Champion, sponsored by Murrayshall – Craws Nest.

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by The Rookery – Hayley Wilkes, WEECook.

Independent Cafe of the Year – Baern.  Highly commended – Sweetpea Cafe.

Producer of the Year, sponsored by Partners& – WEECook.

Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Barnetts Dundee – The Wee Restaurant.  Highly Commended – Coorie Inn.

Rising Star of the Year, sponsored by Malmaison – Georgia Scott, Fairmont St Andrews.

Spirit Producer of the Year, sponsored by Altar – Highland Boundary Wild Distillery.

Street Vendor of the Year – Fallones Pizzas & Gelato.

Sustainability Award, sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland – Wasted Degrees Brewing.

This article appeared in The Courier on 27 March 2025.