Jonathan Raggett, Angela Hartnett and Paul Ainsworth honoured at AA Hospitality Awards 2023

Glittering awards ceremony, presented by TV’s Claudia Winkleman, celebrated the UK’s top hotels, spas, restaurants, and pubs

The great and good of the UK hospitality industry gathered at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London last night for the AA Hospitality Awards 2023.

The glittering awards ceremony, presented by TV presenter and broadcaster Claudia Winkleman, celebrated the UK’s top hotels, spas, restaurants, and pubs and the people behind them.

Scooping the top gongs were Angela Hartnett, who won Outstanding Contribution Award, Paul Ainsworth crowned Chefs’ Chef of the Year and Jonathan Raggett, managing director at Red Carnation Hotels, awarded a Lifetime Achievement accolade.

Speaking on stage after accepting the award, Raggett said: “It’s all about the team and I have an incredible team behind me. I’m not done yet though! Hospitality is an industry like none other; we are all trying to fill our restaurants and bars and bedrooms and there is enough to go around if we all do our job properly.

“I want to carry on inspiring people and mentoring people. It’s a fantastic industry and still isn’t recognised – you can quickly progress into management if you are prepared to work hard.”

The awards hosted around 1,000 guests to honour the outstanding contributions to the UK’s hospitality sector, spanning fifteen categories.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media said: “It’s a delight to be back at Grosvenor House as we mark the greatest hospitality celebration across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The last year has been tough on the hospitality industry as we’ve felt, like many others, the challenges facing businesses.

“Yet I’m so proud of the resilience, innovation and quality shown by the UK hospitality industry in response. We would like to extend a massive congratulations all the winners and shortlisted establishments for their hard work, passion, and dedication.”

This year, the AA is celebrating 115 years of recognising excellence in hospitality.