Tom and Laurissa Heywood met at the former Rattle Owl restaurant in Micklegate in York – where Laurissa was restaurant manager and Tom head chef.
Now the couple, who run Pignut restaurant in Helmsley, have been shortlisted for not one but two major awards at the 2025 Cateys — one of the UK hospitality industry’s highest accolades. The results were announced at a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, on Monday, July 7.
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This recognition comes at a milestone moment for Pignut. This month, the restaurant, now known as Pignut and The Hare, will relocate to a new permanent home at The Hare in Scawton, where the couple plans to grow more of their own produce on-site, introduce guest accommodation, and further embed sustainability into every element of their work.
Despite not winning this time, the pair said: “We feel so honoured to be shortlisted for newcomer and sustainable business, to even be considered for these awards means the world and motivates us to keep pushing and improving ways to become more sustainable, especially with our move to the Hare at Scawton.
“It’s a great boost at such a busy time for us and to be in amongst some of the most talented chefs in the country is motivating enough. Congratulations to all the winners, who are all incredibly inspiring.”
Pignut were recognised in the Newcomer Award and Sustainable Business Award (SME) categories, cementing its reputation as one of the country’s most exciting and values-driven restaurant ventures.
Organised by The Caterer, the Cateys are among the most prestigious awards in British hospitality, often described as the industry’s equivalent to the Oscars. The awards celebrate excellence at a national level across the entire sector — from hotels and restaurants to foodservice and leisure — with winners selected by over 100 judges from across the industry, including past Catey winners and sector leaders.
The Newcomer Award celebrates owner-operators who have launched their first hospitality business within the past three years and have already made a name for themselves. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Business Award (SME) recognises small hospitality businesses taking meaningful and innovative action to reduce their environmental impact — a central mission for Pignut since day one.
From refillable wine schemes and composting food waste to partnering with local social enterprises and earning carbon-neutral certification, sustainability has been embedded into every decision the couple makes.
Pignut is also listed in the 360° Eat Guide, holds Three AA Rosettes, is recommended by the Michelin Guide, and saw Laurissa named as one of the industry’s rising stars in the Acorn Awards.
