The UK hospitality industry came together once again for one of the most prestigious events in the sector, the AA Hospitality Awards 2026. Held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, this year’s ceremony was particularly special as it marked 70 years of the AA Rosette Awards, a milestone that highlights decades of culinary and hospitality excellence across the UK. 

At Jubilee Hospitality, we always enjoy seeing the industry’s finest recognised for their achievements. From award-winning hotels and restaurants to inspiring individuals leading the way, the awards showcased the innovation, resilience and dedication that continue to make British hospitality one of the most respected sectors in the world.

A Night of Recognition

Among the evening’s standout winners was Adam Byatt, chef patron of Trinity in London, who was named AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2026. Voted for by fellow AA Rosette-holding chefs, it remains one of the most respected accolades in British gastronomy. 

The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to David Morgan-Hewitt of The Goring, recognising more than three decades of contribution to luxury hospitality.

Restaurant Winners Leading the Way

The regional Restaurant of the Year awards highlighted some of the very best dining destinations in the country:

  • England: The Star Inn at Harome, North Yorkshire 
  • London: AngloThai, Marylebone
  • Wales: The Walnut Tree, Abergavenny 
  • Scotland: Swadish by Ajay Kumar, Glasgow 

These venues represent the diversity and quality of the UK’s restaurant scene, from traditional countryside inns to innovative city-centre dining experiences. 

Outstanding Hospitality Beyond the Kitchen

The awards also recognised excellence across the wider hospitality sector.

Notable winners included:

  • AA Group of the Year: The Celtic Collection 
  • England Hotel of the Year: Calcot Manor & Spa, Gloucestershire 
  • London Hotel of the Year: The Emory
  • AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year: The House of George W. Davies, Broadway, Worcestershire
  • AA Inn of the Year: The Penny Bun, West Yorkshire 
  • AA Spa Hotel of the Year: Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews 

These awards demonstrate that exceptional guest experiences are built through outstanding service, leadership and teamwork across every department.

A Special Mention for the Cotswolds

There was also reason for celebration closer to home for Jubilee, with The House of George W. Davies in Broadway, Worcestershire, being named AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year 2026. The award recognises venues that deliver outstanding food, service and accommodation, creating a complete hospitality experience for guests.

The accolade is another reminder of the strength of the hospitality sector across the Cotswolds and surrounding regions. Known for its luxury hotels, destination restaurants and thriving independent operators, the area continues to set standards for hospitality excellence and attract both talented professionals and discerning guests. 

New Four AA Rosette Restaurants for 2026

One of the highlights of the awards each year is the announcement of new restaurants achieving the coveted Four AA Rosette status. This year, six outstanding venues joined this elite group: 

  • Frog by Adam Handling, London 
  • Hide and Fox, Kent
  • Ikoyi, London 
  • Inver, Argyll & Bute, Scotland 
  • LI~LY by Aiden Byrne, Cheshire
  • The Cocochine, London 

Achieving Four AA Rosettes places these restaurants among the finest dining establishments in the country and reflects exceptional culinary skill, innovation and consistency. 

New Rosettes and Rising Standards

The AA Awards are also known for recognising restaurants reaching new heights of culinary excellence. This year, fifteen restaurants achieved Three AA Rosettes, further highlighting the incredible strength and depth of talent across British hospitality. AngloThai was among the venues celebrating a new Three Rosette award alongside its Restaurant of the Year success in London.

For both employers and hospitality professionals, these achievements are a reminder of the career opportunities available within the sector and the high standards that continue to drive it forward.

Jubilee’s Take

The AA Hospitality Awards are about much more than trophies. They celebrate the people, businesses and teams who continue to raise the bar for hospitality in challenging times.

From Michelin-starred chefs and luxury hotels to ambitious independent operators, the 2026 winners showcase the passion and dedication that make our industry so special. Everyone at Jubilee Hospitality would like to congratulate this year’s winners, finalists and new Rosette holders, with a special congratulations to The House of George W. Davies for bringing a prestigious national award back to the Cotswolds. 

As recruitment specialists working across hotels, restaurants, gastro pubs, contract catering and luxury hospitality, we’re proud to support the talented professionals who help make achievements like these possible every day.

Here’s to another year of excellence in British hospitality.