Celebrating exceptional talent and leadership in the kitchen this prestigious accolade, first launched in 1996, places the power in the hands of the professionals themselves. It’s the only AA award voted for solely by chefs, recognising the peers they believe have made the most remarkable impact over the past year.

The AA Chefs’ Chef winner will be announced on Monday 22nd September at a ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, attended by 1,000 industry figures.

The AA Chefs' Chef of the Year is voted for by AA Rosette holders. Voting will close on 1st August 2025. The full shortlist is:

• Adam Handling, Frog by Adam Handling (London)
• Aktar Islam, Opheem (Birmingham)
• Angela Hartnett, Murano (London)
• Brett Graham, The Ledbury (London)
• Clare Smyth, Core by Clare Smyth  (London)
• Gareth Ward, Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms (Wales)
• Hélène Darroze, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught (London)
• Lorna McNee, Cail Bruich (Glasgow)
• Michael Wignall, The Angel at Hetton (Yorkshire)
• Pam Brunton, Inver (Loch Fyne)
• Roberta Hall-McCarron, The Little Chartroom (Edinburgh)
• Tom Kitchin, The Kitchin (Edinburgh)

Guests will be treated to an exceptional menu curated by Adam Smith, executive chef at Woven by Adam Smith at Coworth Park Hotel in Berkshire, which proudly holds five AA Rosettes.

Commenting on the menu, Smith said: “I am truly honoured to curate the menu for this year’s AA Hospitality Awards. It’s always a wonderful evening that brings together our incredible hospitality industry, and this year holds special significance for me with having the privilege of cooking for everyone.”