Finalists for one of the UK hospitality industry’s most respected culinary accolades, the 2026 AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year award, have been announced ahead of this year’s AA Hospitality Awards in September.
Widely regarded as one of the sector’s highest honours, the award recognises chefs who have demonstrated outstanding creativity, leadership and influence over the past 12 months. First introduced in 1996, it is uniquely judged by peers, with AA Rosette holders voting to identify the chef who has made the most significant impact on the industry.
This year’s shortlist reflects the breadth and diversity of the UK’s dining scene, spanning acclaimed fine dining restaurants and innovative regional kitchens. From London’s globally recognised establishments to standout destinations in Scotland, Cumbria and the North East, the finalists collectively highlight the strength of talent shaping modern British hospitality.
Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director at AA Media, said: “What makes the AA Chefs’ Chef Award so special is that it is peer recognition at the highest level. This year’s shortlist is a real snapshot of modern British hospitality, showcasing many different styles and perspectives, yet all united by the same passion, innovation and uncompromising commitment to excellence.
“From neighbourhood restaurants to internationally recognised dining rooms, the calibre of talent on this year’s list shows just how exciting and dynamic the UK food scene continues to be.”
Among those shortlisted are leading Scottish chefs including Mark Donald of The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant in Perthshire, Roberta Hall-McCarron of Edinburgh’s The Little Chartroom, and Lorna McNee of Glasgow’s Cail Bruich, underlining Scotland’s continued influence on the UK’s fine dining landscape.
They are joined by a host of prominent names from across the UK, including Clare Smyth (Core by Clare Smyth, London), Angela Hartnett (Murano, London), Brett Graham (The Ledbury, London), Hélène Darroze (The Connaught, London), Adam Handling (Frog by Adam Handling, London), Adam Byatt (Trinity, London), Spencer Metzger (Row on 5, London), Hrishikesh Desai (Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai at Farlam Hall, Cumbria) and Kenny Atkinson (Solstice by Kenny Atkinson, Newcastle).
The winner will be announced at the AA Hospitality Awards on Monday 21 September 2026 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London. This year’s ceremony will also mark the 70th anniversary of the AA Rosette scheme, a milestone set to be celebrated with a specially curated menu.
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For the first time, three leading chefs – Steve Smith, Tom Aikens and finalist Hrishikesh Desai—will collaborate on the awards menu, each bringing their own distinctive style to the evening. Hosted by broadcaster and presenter Fleur East, the event is expected to welcome more than 1,000 guests from across the hospitality sector.
Voting for the AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year award is open exclusively to AA Rosette holders and closes on Friday 31 July at 8pm.
