AN ALLOA catering service has been announced as finalists in not one, but three prestigious awards for 2018 – The Scottish Wedding Awards, the Confetti Awards and the UK-wide FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards.

Escoffier's has been based at Gean House for the last year and are the sole caterers for all events at the venue – whether weddings, conferences or meetings – as well as continuing to cater for private functions away from the site.

The nominations are even more astounding as the business, which was started as a hobby borne out of a love of food by director Gordon Guthrie, is only two years old.

Gordon said: "I started the business as I spotted a gap in the market for a pop-up restaurant that used locally sourced food and offered flexible meal solutions catering for outside and indoor, large and small, formal and casual.

"Initially the business was just me, but due to the overwhelming response and number of bookings I received via word of mouth, the business quickly expanded to five.

"Now, being based at the hectic Gean House, we're still expanding and I'm about to recruit for a new head chef!"

"I'm absolutely overwhelmed to be nominated for these three awards; it's even more pleasing when you consider that both the Confetti Awards and Scottish Wedding Awards nominations are as a direct result of public votes.

"It's humbling that our brides and wedding customers think so highly of our service and food that they'll take the time to vote for us"

Escoffier's saw significant growth and investment in 2017; the Gean House contract was won early in the year, a new modern corporate branding was introduced and the website was relaunched in October. Added to this, special recognition came in the form of Gordon being upgraded to the title of Master Craftsman in the summer.

Gordon explains that, looking forward to 2018 business for Gean House and Escoffier's is looking healthy.

He added: "There's a real buzz around the place and, since the nominations were announced, there have already been a further two weddings booked at Gean House for next year.

"Escoffier's business has also seen a rise of 15 per cent in the recent weeks and we have a 100 per cent 5-star rating on TripAdvisor so we can be really positive about the future."

Gordon also takes his corporate responsibility very seriously and is well known locally for his fundraising. Over £2,000 has recently been raised for Maggie's Forth Valley and Cancer Research UK as a result of charity events at Gean House and sponsorship from Escoffier's.

He said: "Any success is all about team work. From the management and event staff at Gean House to the chefs and apprentice at Escoffier's everyone needs to work together to ensure that the customer enjoys the finest, freshly prepared food, the best service and best experience every time."

For more information call 01250 226400 visit geanhouse.co.uk or escofiers.co.uk.