AA Hotel & Hospitality Services has announced finalists across six major categories ahead of its annual AA Hospitality Awards.
Middle row (left to right): Congham Hall, Knockendarroch Hotel, Wildhive Callow Hall.
Bottom row (left to right): AA Rising Star finalists; RIlona Harris, Danielle Lorne, Isaac Arikawe
The winners will be revealed on Monday 21 September 2026 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Park Lane, London.
Now in its 29th year, the awards recognise hotels, restaurants and hospitality professionals from across the UK, with accolades spanning accommodation, food and beverage, sustainability, wellness and individual achievement.
More than 1,000 representatives from hotels and restaurants are expected to attend this year’s black-tie ceremony.
The 2026 event will also mark 70 years of the AA Rosette, the organisation’s long-established award for culinary excellence.
AA Rosettes are awarded through the organisation’s inspection programme, with new three, four and five Rosette recipients announced in the spring and again at the annual Hospitality Awards in September.
Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director at AA Media, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. They represent the passion, innovation and dedication that make the UK hospitality sector so extraordinary.
“There is exceptional work happening across our industry with individuals, teams and businesses continually raising standards to deliver memorable guest experiences, often in the face of significant challenges.
“We look forward to celebrating the achievements of those who have not only raised the bar but also inspire others to do the same.”
The wider awards programme includes Hotel and Restaurant of the Year titles alongside awards recognising sustainability, housekeeping, emerging talent, spa hotels, restaurant teams and hotel groups.
Finalists for the AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2026 were announced separately in June.
The 12-strong shortlist comprises Kenny Atkinson, Adam Byatt, Hélène Darroze, Hrishikesh Desai, Mark Donald, Brett Graham, Roberta Hall-McCarron, Adam Handling, Angela Hartnett, Lorna McNee, Spencer Metzger and Clare Smyth.
The Chefs’ Chef title is decided by fellow AA Rosette holders, with voting recognising the chef considered to have made the greatest impact on the industry over the previous year.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by broadcaster, singer and presenter Fleur East.
The 70th anniversary of the Rosette programme will also be reflected in the awards dinner, with three chefs collaborating on the menu for the first time.
Steve Smith of Latymer, Tom Aikens of Muse and Hrishikesh Desai of Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall will each be responsible for part of the menu.
The evening will begin with a Champagne reception at 6pm, followed by dinner and the awards presentation later in the evening.
The finalists announced across the latest six categories will join further award recipients and new AA Rosette holders when the winners are revealed at JW Marriott Grosvenor House on 21 September.