By Rosalind Erskine

Copyright scotsman

The 2025 winners of the AA Hospitality Awards have been announced, including a lifetime achievement award for a Scottish hotelier – and the best restaurant in Scotland.

The best and brightest in British hospitality came together at JW Marriott Grosvenor House on 22 September for the coveted AA Hospitality Awards 2025.

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This event is recognised as the gold standard of excellence within the industry and is organised by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services. Hosted by Vernon Kay, the event saw more than 960 guests attend, and shone a spotlight on the country’s most exceptional hotels, restaurants, spas, inns, and B&Bs, as well as the inspiring people behind them.

Accolades were presented across 18 categories, including AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year, AA Sustainable Award, AA Spa Hotel of the Year and, brand new for 2025, the AA Rising Star Award.

Taking home one of the evening’s most prestigious accolades, Gareth Ward of Ynyshir has been named AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2025 (sponsored by Wellocks), an award voted for exclusively by his peers.

Known for his bold, boundary-pushing approach to modern dining, Ward has transformed Ynyshir into one of the UK’s most exciting culinary destinations, combining Japanese influences with the finest Welsh produce.

The Rising Star Award, newly introduced this year, recognises individuals in hospitality who demonstrate exceptional promise and potential in their field. Nataliia Maiseionok, Sommelier at Fischer’s Baslow Hall and winner of the AA Rising Star Award, relocated from Ukraine in 2022, arriving in the UK with limited English but extensive hospitality experience.

She began her career as a waitress at Fischer’s Baslow Hall, working her way up to Sommelier through self-funded education.

In Scotland, a number of businesses and one hospitality icon took home awards – and it was a night of celebration for mainly Edinburgh businesses.

James Thomson OBE, proprietor of Prestonfield and The Witchery won the AA Lifetime Achievement Award. He said: “I am truly humbled and honoured to receive this AA Lifetime Achievement Award. It has been a real privilege to spend my life creating memorable experiences that celebrate Scotland’s heritage, individuality, and a true sense of place.

“From a young boy with a dream, to someone fortunate enough to own and restore two of Edinburgh’s most iconic A-listed properties, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

“To see The Witchery and Prestonfield evolve into internationally recognised destinations is incredibly humbling. This recognition is a deeply meaningful milestone- not only personally, but as a tribute to the remarkable people who’ve helped bring that dream to life. From our hugely dedicated team to our amazing suppliers and artisans who share our passion for quality and authenticity – I share this moment with you all.”

Prestonfield’s Amit Pal was awarded Housekeeper of the Year, and said: “Winning the ‘AA Housekeeper of the Year 2025’ award is an incredible honour and a proud milestone in my career.

“Housekeeping is often the forgotten hero of hospitality and to be recognised by the AA means the world to me and my team at Prestonfield House. I take great pride in maintaining our 17th Century historic house for all our visitors and guests and to be acknowledged for that commitment would be truly rewarding.”

The Scottish Restaurant of the Year Award was won by Edinburgh’s Little Chartroom. Roberta Hall-McCarron chef and co-owner said: “This is very special and very unexpected. It is a lovely bit of recognition for everyone’s hard work over the last couple of years.”

The Scottish Hotel of the Year went to 100 Princes Street. Malcolm Hendry, managing director for 100 Princes Street said: “Winning this award is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at 100 Princes Street.

“To receive recognition from the AA, particularly in Scotland, where the luxury hotel landscape is defined by an abundance of exceptional properties, is a true mark of distinction. What makes this achievement so special is our team; they are the heart of everything we do.

“As a family-run hotel group, we pour our soul into every detail, from the design to the guest experience, to create something truly unique. This award is a testament to the passion, dedication and care that every member of our team brings to the hotel each day.”

The AA Wine Award for Scotland went to Timberyard. Joseph Radford, director at Timberyard said: “We are absolutely honoured to receive this award. Our wine list is a labour of love – rooted in relationships, shaped by curiosity and built to reflect the energy of our growers, our food and our team.

“We champion producers who work with integrity in the vineyards and honesty in the cellar, and we hope every bottle offers guests a chance to taste something genuine and memorable.”

Finally, Gleneagles won the AA Sustainability Award, and Mo Mands, director of sustainability at The Gleneagles Hotel said: “We’re immensely honoured and humbled to win this award.

“As our planet faces an environmental crisis, being part of such an iconic business that’s driven by a restless ambition to minimise its environmental impact and leave a lasting legacy for future generations is a powerful catalyst for change.

“Our inspiring teams work tirelessly to share best practice and lessons learned, striving every single day to realise those incremental improvements that will help us achieve our ambitious environmental targets.

“We know we’re just at the start of our journey, and that we’ve a long way to go, but it’s a journey we’re proud to be taking.”

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, praised the UK’s hospitality sector for its resilience and innovative spirit in 2025. He said: “This celebration highlights the passion, creativity and resilience that define UK hospitality.

“The teams have turned challenges into opportunities, inspiring us with their innovation and dedication. Congratulations to all winners, nominees and new Rosette holders – your achievements deserve recognition today and set a shining example for the future of our industry.”

Find out more about the awards and winners at the AA website.