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About the award                                                                                                                                                                                                            

A popular and coveted title, this unique award, introduced in 1996, offers all AA Rosette-awarded chefs the chance to decide which of their peers deserves the ultimate recognition of their performance over the past twelve months.

Paul Ainsworth 

Hailing from Southampton, Paul studied catering and hospitality at his local college and was soon working in some of London's best kitchens, starting in 1998 with Gary Rhodes, later working with Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing.

After eight years in London, Paul moved to Padstow to work at No 6, and fell in love with Cornwall. Together with his wife Emma, they took over the business relaunching it as Paul Ainsworth at No 6. Since then, business has boomed. 2010 saw a second Padstow site at Caffè Rojano, 2014 brought the Padstow Townhouse, and in 2019 they took over the lease at the Mariners Pub in Rock.

Paul is a TV regular, appearing on Saturday Kitchen, MasterChef and Great British Menu, among others. Popular among his peers, he's modest, humble and passionate about hospitality, so it's no surprise he's been voted as this year's Chefs' Chef.