Skosh and Pignut get AA Hospitality Awards three rosettes

Skosh in Mickelgate and Pignut in Helmsley along with Chartwell at Aldwark Manor in Alne all got three rosettes at the AA Hospitality Awards 2024.

The UK’s hospitality elite gathered at JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Monday night (September 23) for the ceremony that has become the “benchmark” for excellence in the industry.

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Hosted by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, the star-studded evening was presented by TV and radio broadcaster Angellica Bell.

Skosh is York's only Michelin Guide 'Bib Gourmand' recipient - a rating that recognises 'friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices'.

Earlier this year the restaurant grew, extending into 96 Mickelgate, which was formerly Coles Solicitors.

And it's been a little over a year since top York chef Tom Heywood and his partner, Laurissa Cook, opened Pignut in Helmsley.

They first met at the former Rattle Owl restaurant in Micklegate in York - where Laurissa was restaurant manager and Tom head chef.

AA commended Pignut for its ‘ambitious cooking’ in the no-frills village restaurant. Describing it as ‘unpretentious’ with a ‘minimalist Scandi style’ which is ‘very relaxed’.

They also praised the sustainable ethos noting the ‘inventive modern British cooking is driven by a zero-waste philosophy’.

Tom said: “We’ve been aiming for three rosettes since we opened last year and we’re very proud that we’ve achieved this ourselves, in our own restaurant.

"It sets us apart from other restaurants in the area and shows people the level we are at in terms of food and service – we aim to build on this, keep progressing and hopefully continue to achieve more accolades.”

Tom and Laurissa at Helmsley Walled Garden (Image: Oliver Lawson) The pair also forage and Laurissa has been known to find foraging spots while out on her horse. The menu reflects this passion for British ingredients and uncompromising standards, it is ambitious and focused on delivering sustainable and high-quality dishes to guests including ‘Wastage’ - a course designed around all the waste from the other courses on the menu.

Pignut has previously been awarded two AA rosettes, was shortlisted for the Craft Guild of Chefs Sustainable Restaurant Award 2024, featured in the Good Food Guide and is recommended in the Michelin Guide. Laurissa also received an Acorn Award this year, with Tom making it to the semi-finals of National Chef of the year 2024. Most recently they have been awarded carbon-neutral status by Carbon Neutral Britain.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: “This incredible celebration is a true testament to the strength and innovation within our industry.

“The dedication and excellence demonstrated by all the hospitality teams have been nothing short of inspiring.

“Congratulations to all the winners, nominees, and new Rosette holders for their remarkable contributions.”