Tom Aikens among big winners at AA Hospitality Awards

Tom Aikens was left “absolutely speechless” after coming away as one of the big winners from the AA Hospitality Awards 2024.

Tom, of Michelin-starred Muse, took home the prestigious AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year gong.

Hosted by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, the star-studded evening was presented by BAFTA-nominated television and radio broadcaster Angellica Bell, widely recognised for her winning victory on Celebrity MasterChef.

The night celebrated the most outstanding hotels, spas, restaurants, overall inns and B&Bs, alongside with the people who drive them forward.

Attended by 900 guests, the event highlighted the very best in British hospitality, honouring achievements across 16 award categories. Key awards included AA Restaurant of the Year, AA Hotel of the Year, and the AA Sustainable Award, reflecting the industry's commitment to innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility.

AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year is the ultimate accolade for any chef. This unique award recognises an outstanding chef for their dedication to their craft. A much sought-after accolade, this award gives all AA Rosette-awarded chefs the power to decide who truly deserves the ultimate recognition for their outstanding performance over the past year.

Tom took the prize ahead of the likes of Aktar Islam, Tom Kitchin and Angela Hartnett, who were among a star-studded shortlist of 12 chefs.

Asked where winning this award ranks among his career achievements, Tom told The Staff Canteen: “It’s definitely up there.

“When I saw all the other chefs that were up for it, I thought there was no chance. But I am completely taken aback.

“There are some people that still love me, so that’s good!

“I want to thank my whole team at Muse and my lovely wife.

“It’s unbelievable. I’m absolutely speechless. I never thought it was going to happen.”

Tom has restaurants in four different countries, has published three cookery books, is a TV regular, and supports several charities, cooking at the highest level since the age of 26.

Three restaurants were awarded five AA rosettes for the first time in Woven by Adam Smith (Coworth Park), Berkshire, The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, Perth & Kinross and Angel at Hetton, North Yorkshire.

Reflecting on the night, Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: “This incredible celebration is a true testament to the strength and innovation within our industry.

“The dedication and excellence demonstrated by all the hospitality teams have been nothing short of inspiring. Congratulations to all the winners, nominees, and new Rosette holders for their remarkable contributions.”

The AA introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and have continued to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals and establishments who consistently deliver excellence to their guests.

The AA Hospitality Awards, now celebrated as the pinnacle of recognition in the industry, have once again showcased the innovation, dedication, and brilliance that define the UK's hospitality landscape.

As the stars of hospitality continue to rise, these awards have cemented their place as the ultimate authority in recognising excellence, setting the gold standard for hotels, restaurants, inns and B&Bs across the country.

This year, the AA is celebrating 116 years of recognising excellence in hospitality.

AA Hospitality Awards – 2024 winners

Chefs’ Chef of the Year

• Tom Aikens, from Muse, London

Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Adrian Ellis MI FIH, former General Manager of The Lowry Hotel, Manchester

Outstanding Contribution Award 

• Sue Williams, Positive Hospitality Ltd, Director and formerly General Manager of Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa

Restaurants of the Year 

• England – The Greyhound, Buckinghamshire
• London – The Silver Birch, London
• Wales – Thomas by Tom Simmons, Cardiff
• Scotland – Loch Bay Restaurant, Isle of Skye

Hotels of the Year 

• England – Down Hall Hotel & Spa, Hertfordshire
• London – The Dorchester
• Wales – The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff
• Scotland – Cromlix, Stirling
• Northern Ireland – The Ebrington Hotel, Londonderry 

Group of the Year 

• Red Carnation Hotel Group  

Small Hotel Group of the Year 

• Eden Hotel Collection, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Wine Award 

• England – Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Lancashire
• Wales – Plas Dinas Country House, Gwynedd
• Scotland – The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Housekeeper of the Year 

• Paula Seddon – Crow Wood Hotel and Spa Resort, Lancashire

Sustainable Award 

• 1 Hotel Mayfair, London

Inn of the Year

• The Cartford Inn, Lancashire  

B&B of the Year

• Mallard Grange, North Yorkshire

Restaurant with Rooms of the Year

• Mingary Castle, Highlands  

Spa Hotel of the Year 

• Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire

Food Service Award 

• The Seafood Restaurant, Cornwall

College Restaurant of the Year  

• Senara – Truro & Penwith College

New 5 Rosettes

• Woven by Adam Smith (Coworth Park), Berkshire
• The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, Perth & Kinross
• Angel at Hetton, North Yorkshire

New 4 Rosettes  

• Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay (Savoy Hotel), London
• Olive Tree at the Queensberry Hotel, Somerset
• Bybrook at The Manor House Hotel, Wiltshire
• Lumiere, Gloucestershire
• Atrium (Lords of the Manor), Gloucestershire

New 3 Rosettes 

• The Flintlock at Cheddleton, Staffordshire
• The Old Deanery, North Yorkshire
• HUMO London, London
• Pignut, North Yorkshire
• The Vines Restaurant, Cheshire
• Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Cheshire
• The Three Horseshoes, Essex
• The Cottage in the Wood, Cumbria
• Chartwell at Aldwark Manor, North Yorkshire
• Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa, Warwickshire
• Skosh, North Yorkshire
• MUSU, Greater Manchester
• The Fanny Talbot, Gwynedd

New 4 Red Stars 

• Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Cumbria
• Douneside House, Aberdeenshire
• The Angel Hotel, Suffolk
• Lygon Arms Hotel, Worcestershire
• Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, Surrey

New 3 Red Stars 

• Penally Abbey, Pembrokeshire