Hospitality Awards 2026

AA Chefs' Chef of the Year

Adam Byatt

Award sponsored by


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.

Adam Byatt

Adam Byatt is one of Britain’s most respected chef-restaurateurs, known for seasonal British produce, classical French technique and neighbourhood hospitality. As Chef Patron of the 3 AA Rosette restaurant Trinity in Clapham, he has shaped modern British dining while supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals. Born in Rainham, Essex, Adam was inspired by his mother, a professionally trained chef, and his grandfather, an army cook. At sixteen, he began a Savoy Educational Trust apprenticeship at Claridge’s, later refining his craft under leading chefs including John Williams MBE and Phil Howard. He opened Thyme in Clapham in 2001, followed by Trinity in 2006. Adam is Chairman of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, and supports charities including Action Against Hunger and DEBRA. Being chosen for this award by his peers reflects the respect he has earned across the culinary profession.

Previous Winners

2025- Gareth Ward

2024- Tom Aikens

2023- Paul Ainsworth 

2022 - Mark Birchall

2019 – Jason Atherton
2018 – Claude Bosi
2017 – John Williams MBE
2016 – Simon Rogan
2015 – Daniel Clifford
2014 – Nathan Outlaw
2013 – Tom Kerridge
2012 – Pierre Koffmann
2011 – Chris & Jeff Galvin
2010 – Martin Wishart
2009 – Marcus Wareing
2008 – Philip Howard
2007 – Michael Caines MBE
2006 – Andrew Fairlie
2005 – Germain Schwab
2004 – Raymond Blanc OBE
2003 – Michel Roux OBE
2002 – Shaun Hill
2001 – Heston Blumenthal OBE
2000 – Marco Pierre White
1999 – Rick Stein OBE
1998 – Kevin Viner
1997 – Jean Christophe Novelli
1996 – Gordon Ramsay OBE