BCF Awards 2026 open for nominations
Nominations have opened for the 2026 British Culinary Federation (BCF) Awards, with chefs, lecturers and hospitality professionals invited to put themselves – or their colleagues – forward ahead of a black-tie celebration at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham.
The awards will recognise professionals across eleven categories, culminating in a glittering dinner on June 22, 2026, in the ballroom of the recently refurbished landmark hotel.
Guests will be welcomed with a Champagne and canapés reception before sitting down to a five-course dinner with wines and entertainment.
The closing date for nominations is February 28, 2026.
Awards celebrating every corner of the kitchen and beyond
The BCF Awards have been designed to reflect the breadth of modern hospitality, from student chefs taking their first steps in education to seasoned operators whose work often goes unseen.
At the start of the pipeline, the Most Promising Young Chef 2026 – Johnnie Borra Memorial Trophy will be presented to a full-time chef under twenty-five who has already shown outstanding talent and enthusiasm in industry. Alongside this, the Most Promising Young Student 2026 – Eric Bruce Trophy recognises those in full-time or part-time college education who have demonstrated real commitment to a kitchen career.
Education and mentorship are recognised through the Chef Lecturer/Mentor of the Year 2026 – Ken Fraser MBE Memorial Award, which is open to BCF members working in hospitality education who are helping young chefs progress through training, encouragement and day-to-day support.
Within the Federation itself, the BCF Member Award 2026 – Robert J Smith Trophy will be given to a member who has shown professionalism, dedication and loyal support to both the industry and the Federation.
From restaurant and hotel chefs to competitors, pastry and sustainability leaders
The main restaurant sector is represented through the Restaurant/Hotel Chef of the Year 2026 – Louis Cipolla Award, which recognises the greatest contribution to the profession by any restaurant or hotel chef who is a BCF member.
The competition circuit has its own dedicated category in the Competition Chef of the Year 2026 – Paul Gould OBE Award, awarded for highly recognised contributions to culinary competitions across all sectors of the industry.
A number of specialist awards shine a light on specific roles that are increasingly central to modern hospitality. The University Chef Award 2026 is open to any university chef who has demonstrated great professionalism while maintaining high culinary standards in the higher education environment.
The Pastry Chef of the Year Award 2026 is open to all UK-based working pastry chefs who excel in their sector and career, acknowledging the technical skill and creative discipline required in pastry.
Beyond the pass, the Hospitality Professional Award 2026 is a special award for individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes, often without public recognition, who consistently deliver results in support of their teams.
Sustainability is recognised in the Sustainability Award 2026, which is open to any individual or company working in hospitality that promotes and excels in sustainable practice – from sourcing and waste reduction to energy use and community impact.
Lifetime achievement and legacy
At the top of the honours list sits the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026, which is nominated directly by the BCF committee. The award is reserved for individuals whose careers have made a long-term impact on the wider industry.
Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Bob Atkins, underlining the Federation’s focus on chefs and professionals whose influence extends well beyond their own kitchens and venues.
Awards dinner at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham
The 2026 awards will be staged at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham, with guests gathering for a Champagne reception with canapés from 6.30pm before dinner at 7.15pm. The event is black tie, with tickets priced at £135 per person.
The ticket price includes the reception, a five-course dinner with wines and evening entertainment.
How to enter or book tickets
Nominations for all open categories are now being accepted ahead of the February 28, 2026 deadline.
Chefs, lecturers, students and operators who wish to submit a nomination, or those wanting to attend the dinner, have been invited to contact BCF secretary Jerry Toth on [email protected].
written by abi kinsella
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BCF Awards 2026 open for nominations
