Heritage Portfolio, the specialist events and catering company within Sodexo Live!, secured two major wins at the prestigious Scottish Excellence Awards. Paul Hood, Executive Head Chef for Scotland, was awarded Banqueting and Events Chef of the Year, while Stephen Frost, Divisional Executive Chef, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Widely regarded as Scotland’s most prestigious hospitality competition, the Scottish Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievements across the hospitality, foodservice, and tourism sectors. The black-tie ceremony, held at the Hilton Glasgow on 27 March, brought together the best in the sectors and was judged by a panel of independent experts from across the industry.
Stephen Frost was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary 52-year career in hospitality, spanning esteemed kitchens across the UK. His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing catering at prestigious heritage venues such as Dundas, Glamis, and Blair Castles, as well as major sporting and cultural events, including two Rugby World Cups, 13 Open Golf Championships, and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
A champion of Scottish produce and sustainability, Stephen has also played a key role in mentoring the next generation of chefs, inspiring talent through initiatives like FutureChef. His dedication to the industry, combined with his impact on colleagues and protégés, cements his legacy as an important figure in Scottish catering.
The Banqueting and Events Chef of the Year award reflects Paul’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to culinary excellence. As Executive Head Chef for Scotland at Heritage Portfolio, Paul has played a pivotal role in shaping Heritage Portfolio’s reputation for bespoke catering, delivering outstanding dining experiences at iconic venues such as the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Signet Library and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, as well as major events including the Royal Garden Party and Royal Ascot.
His passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and sustainability is evident in his seasonal menus and immersive dining concepts. Over the past year, Paul has been instrumental in securing key venue contracts and driving revenue growth. A dedicated mentor, he actively supports young chefs through initiatives like Springboard FutureChef and is spearheading plans for an internal cook school to develop future talent.
These awards are a testament to the talent, dedication, and innovation that define Heritage Portfolio. Paul and Stephen’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping our reputation for excellence, and I couldn’t be prouder to see them recognised at the highest level. Their passion for delivering outstanding dining experiences, mentoring future talent, and championing sustainability is truly inspiring. This success reinforces our commitment to setting new standards in Scotland’s hospitality industry.
Caroline Bacigalupo, Head of Operations at Heritage Portfolio, also received a Highly Commended recognition in the Employee of the Year category, further showcasing the company's commitment to excellence.
Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live! is a leading provider of private and corporate hospitality for cultural destinations. Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates.
ENDS
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About Sodexo Live!
Sodexo Live! supports some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic music, cultural and sporting events, plus conference centres, by delivering world class hospitality and food services. We help deliver globally recognised live events with a proven track record of creating exceptional moments that bring people together. We help our client partners to reach their true potential. We create exceptional moments and lasting memories for guests every time they visit the venues we serve, supporting long term revenue growth and delivering sustainable benefit in the heart of communities.
Globally Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup and soon the Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Hard Rock Stadium, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Other venues in the UK include Fulham FC, the ACC Liverpool, and Edinburgh’s magnificent Signet Library.
Sodexo Live! is part of Sodexo which provides catering, facilities management, employee benefits and personal home services to 80 million consumers daily in 45 countries. At Sodexo we believe in the difference a day makes. That’s why we are proud to focus on people’s essential needs: we see them as key to improve the quality of life. We know that by focusing on the tangible, the real, the concrete improvements, day after day, for millions of people, we have a big impact not only on individuals but also on society and the planet. We believe it all starts with the everyday.
