What a week it’s been for Neil Bentinck and his team.
First his restaurant Skosh is named the Yorkshire Life Restaurant of the Year on Monday (September 25).
The announcement at Rudding Park was met with a huge amount of love for Neil and the Micklegate restaurant, with fellow chefs queueing up to endorse the decision.
And days later that was followed by another award – this time by none other than the Michelin Guide.
Hot newcomer
Ahead of the release of this year’s guide on Monday (October 2), the people behind the gourmet’s bible have released their list of this year’s restaurants to gain Bib Gourmands.
Bib Gourmands are awarded to restaurants recognised for offering “exceptionally good food at moderate prices”. The price limit in the UK is £28 for three courses and €40 in Ireland.
Out of the 27 eateries to get the nod in the 2018 guide, only two are in Yorkshire – and one of those is Skosh.
Described as a “hot newcomer” by the Michelin Guide, it said on Twitter: “Globe-trotting chef-owner Neil Bentinck gets a Bib Gourmand for his delicious small plates.”
Amazing honour
In response Neil tweeted: “Honoured to be recognised for this amazing award already.” And added: “Thank you to all our customers for you continued support… hospitality is the name of the game after all!
“Next year, who knows?”
Neil worked at the Blue Bicycle in York and the Pipe And Glass in East Yorkshire before becoming head chef at the acclaimed Van Zeller in Harrogate for two years.
He left to open Skosh on Micklegate in May 2016, introducing the concept of “small plates” to York.
It quickly garnered a reputation as one of York’s finest restaurants, and Neil was named one of the ‘Top chefs to watch’ in national foodie magazine Olive.
And before the first year was out Skosh had received a rave review from Jay Rayner, food critic of the Observer.