Marcus Wareing among recipients for New Years Honours
Renowned British chef Marcus Wareing has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the culinary arts and broadcasting.
Marcus is widely known for his influential career in fine dining and as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals.
His award acknowledges more than three decades of contribution to British cuisine. The chef first gained critical acclaim at a young age, earning a Michelin star at 26 and later establishing a series of acclaimed restaurants in London, including the Michelin-starred Marcus at The Berkeley. His television work has also helped bring professional cooking and the UK food scene to a broad audience.
Alongside Marcus, Steven Munkley, vice-president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, has also been honoured with an MBE for services to the hospitality industry and to young people.
Steve's work with the Guild’s Graduate Awards - a nationally recognised programme that supports emerging culinary talent - has been credited with strengthening training pathways and industry retention at formative stages of chefs’ careers.
Speaking to The Caterer, Steve said: "This is an amazing honour, one that I never thought I would ever receive, but I am extremely proud to have been recognised. My career has given me so much, so mentoring and guiding young chefs into this marvellous industry, just seemed to be the natural thing
Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs added: “It is with great pleasure that one of our vice presidents Steve Munkley has been awarded an MBE in the King's New Years Honours list. Given for services to the hospitality industry over many years, and for the work that he has undertaken in creating and running the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards programme for young and inspiring chefs.”
The Craft Guild of Chefs is the leading professional chefs’ association in the UK, with a remit that spans training, competition and professional development across the hospitality and foodservice sectors.
The New Year Honours list also includes a range of other hospitality sector leaders recognised for contributions to catering, inclusion, marketing and business innovation, with higher distinctions awarded in related fields.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the 2026 list celebrates 'people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives,' highlighting the quiet dedication of honourees across sectors.
Investiture ceremonies will be held throughout the year at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, where recipients will formally receive their honours.
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Marcus Wareing among recipients for New Years Honours
