Hammett’s Maċina Restaurant located within the walls of the Sheer Bastion fortress in Senglea, Malta - home to luxury boutique hotel, Cugó Gran Maċina Grand Harbour– has been named best ‘Luxury Heritage Restaurant’ in Europe at the 2019 World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
The World Luxury Restaurant Awards recognize establishments for world-class service excellence. Awards are presented on a country, regional, continental and global basis. Winners of the World Luxury Restaurant Awards are selected by public vote online, providing true recognition that reflects the hard work and dedication exhibited by staff.
Unimaginable history seeps from the Maċina’s ancient walls. Built almost half a millennium ago by the Knights of Saint John, the Maċina has been a landmark for centuries and now hosts Hammett’s Maċina Restaurant. The gastronomical concept is a take on the islands’ succession of powers with a modern representation of traditional Mediterranean culinary influences that date back to the Phoenician times, and using the finest local, seasonal produce. The Kitchen brigade is led by Chef de Cuisine, Francisco Carrasco, and directed by the Maltese multi award-winning Chef and restaurateur Chris Hammett.
“We are delighted to receive such a prestigious award for our youngest brand at Hammett’s Collection”, Says Chris Hammett. “Winning the ‘Luxury Heritage Restaurant’ award is testament to team’s hard work in achieving both our cultural and gastronomic goals for a unique concept that draws from the islands’ culinary history”.
“We are so delighted for Chris, Francisco and the team," says Sarolta Mike, Hotel Manager of Cugó Gran Maċina Grand Harbour. “Hammett’s Maċina Restaurant has really helped us put Senglea on the map, certainly amongst our international guests. It is immensely popular of course also amongst the locals! We feel very fortunate indeed to have so much culinary talent and flair going on within our hotel walls!”
Hammett’s Maċina Restaurant launched in February 2018 following the opening of the 21-suite Cugó Gran Maċina Grand Harbour hotel and the meticulous renovation of the Maċina; the Sheer Bastion structure which was originally built in 1554 during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle. Maltese architect Edwin Mintoff created the hotel’s luxurious minimalist design whilst preserving original historic features to blend natural and traditional materials with modern, clean lines. In June, Edwin Mintoff Architects was awarded the European Prix Versailles World Architecture & Design Award in the ‘Exterior Hotel Design’ category.
Both Cugó Gran Maċina Grand Harbour and Hammett’s Maċina Restaurant are under the management of IBB Hotel Collection. IBB currently operates 15 hotels across Europe and is part of the Von der Heyden Group which has over 30 years of expertise in leisure and real estate.
Cugó Gran Maċina Grand Harbour is a 21 all-suite luxury hotel in Senglea and the only member of Design Hotels™ in Malta. The hotel derives its name from the large sheer crane structure (macchina) used for centuries to welcome seafarers and to hoist the heavy masts and cargo.
The stylish and comfortable suites range from 40 square metres to 130 square metres and most of the rooms offer unobstructed views of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding marina.
A rooftop pool has a breath-taking view of Vittoriosa and Cospicua, extending as far as the city of Valletta. With complete privacy guaranteed, here guests may choose to take part in various seasonal activities on offer such as aqua gym, yoga and pilates. Exclusive appointments with personal trainers can also be arranged, in addition to in-room spa treatments.
In addition to Hammett’s Maċina Restaurant, the hotel also has a bar and café, and a boardroom for small conferences.
Reservations: tel: +356 2711 2711; visit www.cugogranmalta.com
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