Revealed - 2025 AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year shortlist

The countdown is on for one of the hospitality industry’s most prestigious accolades - the AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year.

The winner will be announced at the AA Hospitality Awards on September 22, 2025, during a star-studded event at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London.

First launched in 1996, the Chefs’ Chef award is unique because it’s voted for solely by fellow chefs. It honours those who have made a standout impact in kitchens across the UK - recognising exceptional leadership, creativity, and influence in the industry.

This year’s shortlist showcases 12 leading chefs from across the UK, including Hélène Darroze, Pam Brunton, and Aktar Islam, as well as rising and established stars like Adam Handling, Lorna McNee, and Michael Wignall.

The full shortlist includes:

• Adam Handling, Frog by Adam Handling

• Aktar Islam, Opheem

• Angela Hartnett, Murano

• Brett Graham, The Ledbury 

• Clare Smyth, Core by Clare Smyth

• Gareth Ward, Ynyshir 

• Hélène Darroze, The Connaught 

• Lorna McNee, Cail Bruich 

• Michael Wignall, The Angel at Hetton 

• Pam Brunton, Inver 

• Roberta Hall-McCarron, The Little Chartroom

• Tom Kitchin, The Kitchin 

The event will welcome over 1,000 hospitality professionals and feature a specially curated menu by Adam Smith, Executive Chef at Woven by Adam Smith, based at Coworth Park Hotel. His restaurant holds an impressive 5 AA Rosettes.

Speaking ahead of the awards, Adam 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.”

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, added: “The Chefs’ Chef Award is one of the most meaningful of the night. It’s a celebration of excellence, respect and camaraderie - chosen by those who understand the craft best. We’re excited to shine a light on those pushing boundaries in British kitchens.”

Voting is open to AA Rosette-holding chefs and closes on August 1, 2025.