Coq d’Argent has been named joint winner of the prestigious Wine List of the Year prize at this year’s Imbibe awards. Having been shortlisted for the award last year, the restaurant beat more than 200 competitors to scoop the top spot.

Commended for the clarity and elegance of its wine list, judges said they were particularly impressed by the equal treatment of both Old and New World wines. Alongside joint winner Hakkasan, Coq D’Argent was assessed on its list’s imagination, innovation and drinkability, accuracy of presentation as well as personality and accessibility.

Head sommelier Olivier Marie explains: “Old World wines are traditionally listed by region, but I subdivided the New World wines this way, too. It’s about making the list more lively and interesting.”

Coq D’Argent’s large by-the-glass selection and interesting wine flights caught the eye of the judges and the subtly innovative list was considered well-priced, catering equally for diners looking for rare and fine wines as for those on a budget.

The judges also praised the “noteworthy” information panels on Olivier’s list. “I wanted the list to be different,” he says. “While customers are waiting, they can flick through the wine pages and learn a little bit more about wine.

“It’s about making the list more lively and interesting. I put myself in the place of customers who know nothing about wine and try to make sure it isn’t boring.”