One of the UK hospitality industry’s most respected culinary accolades, the 2026 AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year award, has revealed this year’s finalists, including three leading lights of Scotland’s fine dining scene.
The annual award is said to celebrate chefs who have ‘demonstrated exceptional creativity and leadership ‘over the last 12 months.
First launched in 1996, the honour is decided entirely by fellow chefs, with AA Rosette holders voting to recognise the peer they believe has made the biggest impact on the hospitality industry over the past year.
This year’s shortlist features some of the UK’s most respected culinary voices, hailing from five Rosette restaurants in London and Scotland to standout dining destinations in Cumbria and the North-east, aiming to reflect both the calibre and diversity across the UK food scene today.
This year’s finalists are:
Kenny Atkinson, Solstice by Kenny Atkinson (Newcastle);
Adam Byatt, Trinity (London);
Hélène Darroze, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught (London);
Hrishikesh Desai, Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai at Farlam Hall (Cumbria);
Mark Donald, The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant (Perthshire, Scotland);
Brett Graham, The Ledbury (London);
Roberta Hall-McCarron, The Little Chartroom (Edinburgh);
Adam Handling, Frog by Adam Handling (London);
Angela Hartnett, Murano (London);
Lorna McNee, Cail Bruich (Glasgow);
Spencer Metzger, Row on 5 (London);
Clare Smyth, Core by Clare Smyth (London).
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.”
The winner will be announced at the AA Hospitality Awards on Monday 21 September 2026 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, in London, an occasion which will also mark 70 years of the AA Rosette award.
To honour that anniversary, three leading chefs will be collaborating on the awards ceremony menu for the first time – Steve Smith, Tom Aikens and AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2026 finalist Hrishikesh Desai.
The awards, hosted by broadcaster, singer and presenter Fleur East, will welcome more than 1000 leading figures from across the hospitality sector for an evening celebrating the very best of British hospitality.
