Beating 22 other female chefs for the title, including two Michelin starred Clare Smyth and CGOC judge Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Hartnett was praised for her “sound business sense, sheer consistency and for being an icon and inspiration across her 24-year career.”

Ben McCormack, SquareMeal editor, added: “Angela Hartnett has proved that you can be a female chef in the male-dominated world of restaurant kitchens without having to become one of the boys.

“I’m very proud that Angela Hartnett is our AYALA SquareMeal Female Chef of the Year.”

Launched in August, the gong celebrates the “huge contribution female chefs are making to the UK restaurant industry” and “shines a spotlight on the women whose achievements are an inspiration to everyone involved in the sector.”

The ceremony took place at Daphne’s restaurant (Chelsea), where Hartnett was announced at the 2018 winner. With over 1,500 votes between them, the full shortlist was as below:

• Nieves Barragan Mohacho, Sabor
• Ravinder Bhogal, Jikoni
• Erchen Chang, Bao and Xu
• Sam Clark, Moro and Morito
• Helene Darroze, Helene Darroze at The Connaught
• Shauna Froydenlund, Marcus
• Monica Galetti, Mere
• Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Northcote
• Skye Gyngell, Spring
• Anna Hansen, The Modern Pantry
• Angela Hartnett, Café Murano, Hartnett, Holder & Co, Merchants Tavern and Murano
• Margot Henderson, Rochelle Canteen
• Rachel Humphrey, Le Gavroche
• Asma Khan, Darjeeling Express
• Selin Kiazim, Oklava
• Judy Joo, Jinjuu
• Thomasina Miers, Wahaca
• Chantelle Nicholson, Tredwells
• Sarit Packer, Honey & Co/ Honey and Smoke
• Anne-Sophie Pic, La Dame de Pic
• Helena Puolakka, Skylon
• Clare Smyth, Core by Clare Smyth
• Ruth Rogers, The River Café