Tributes to Anne Davidson, 'matriarch' of Linlthgow's Champany Inn
Tributes have been paid to the long-established owner of Linlithgow’s Champany Inn after her death at the aged of 79.
Anne Davidson was a key figure in the Scottish hospitality sector and owned and ran the Champany with her husband Clive until his death in 2016.
A post on the restaurant’s website said: “With the greatest sadness we share the news that Anne Davidson passed away peacefully at home yesterday [Tuesday November 18].
“Affectionally known as Mrs D, she was the matriarch of our Champany family, and will be terribly missed.
“The Davidsons arrived at Champany in 1983. For nearly 50 years Anne was a woman at the forefront of Scottish hospitality, dedicating her life to delivering the very best restaurant experience.
“Champany was her world, and those that worked alongside her, as well as suppliers and her customers - you brought her so much joy and purpose.
“She will always be remembered as a devoted, energetic and kind host who was an inspiration to many who knew her.
“Mrs D, we thank you for everything. With love, Jason, Anna, Lucy and your Champany family.”
The post said there would be a private funeral, but a memorial service would be arranged early next year to celebrate her life.
Mrs Davidson is survived by her children, Jason, Anna and Lucy and her granddaughter Mirren.
The family said Mrs D and her husband had taken over the Champany Inn in January 1983 and built the restaurant around Scottish produce, establishing an award-winning business that today consists of a fine dining steakhouse, 16 bedrooms, The Chop & Ale House bistro and a wine shop.
“Champany has become an institution where Anne Davidson was very much at the helm. She was on the floor for every service where her attention to detail was exemplary; things simply had to be done properly.”
Robert B Cook, chairman of bar ad restaurant group Buzzworks, said: “The hospitality industry has lost an icon.”
Other tributes posted in response to the news described Ms Davidson as “the ever present face of Champany's”, “hospitality personified” and “in a class of her own”.
Customers and former staff were quick to offer their condolences and memories.
Nigel Brackenridge said: “I’m so sorry to hear this news. Your parents gave me my first ever job in the summer of 1987. I worked there until early 1990.I have so many good memories of working at Champany and of the people I worked with.”
Jacqui Brockway posted: “She was always so welcoming, a wonderful host, a lovely lady and she was at the heart of many wonderful evenings at Champany Inn.”
Lyn Clarkson said: “We loved meeting her on our visits. We always got a really warm welcome. Last time we had a vegetarian in our party and Anne wanted to personally call them to find out what fish she could have for them and what sauce they would like with it.”
And Nicola McCleary called her “an incredible woman, loved by all”.
Jason Davidson, who now runs the business, said: “Champany will continue - and we will seek to uphold the values and legacy that my mother built.”