We are almost as thrilled as Tom Morton to learn that he’s won a prestigious award for his latest book Holy Waters: Searching for the sacred in a glass.

Holy Waters explores the links between faith and alcohol, spirits and the spiritual and it was named the ‘Drink Book of the Year’ at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, held at the Royal Exchange in London on Thursday night. 

Tom told the Shetland News, “I’m thrilled, delighted and surprised. It’s great that a book officially launched in Shetland Library should end up winning at the Royal Exchange in London. The ceremony was amazing. I met food legend Claudia Roden and ate a great deal of asparagus. My son James and I were shortlisted for a Fortnum’s Award a few years ago for our book Shetland, Cooking on the Edge of the World. It was a thrill to come away this time with a trophy.”

The photo shows Tom with the awards presenters Angela Hartnett (left) and Andi Oliver (right). 

Photo credit Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fortnum & Mason)