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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 

In Norfolk, Tom learned about cooking and local produce at the same time, in his parents' large back garden. After leaving college in 1989, he apprenticed in London at Cavalier’s, the Capital Hotel, La Tante Claire and Pied à Terre.

After time at significant restaurants in Paris and Reims, Tom returned to the UK, becoming head chef at Pied à Terre and then at La Tante Claire.

Tom Aikens in Chelsea opened in 2003, achieving 5 AA Rosettes in 2008. During that time he opened Tom's Kitchen, a number of brasserie style restaurants. In 2020, he opened Muse in Belgravia which, in 2023, also gained 5 AA Rosettes.

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, he is clearly one of the very best UK chefs, so it's no surprise his peers have voted him as the AA Chefs' Chef for 2024.