The History of theBritish Restaurant Awards
Celebrating British Hospitality Since 2017
Created to celebrate the people, places and experiences that make the United Kingdom one of the most exciting dining destinations in the world.
The British Restaurant Awards were founded in 2017 to give the UK's restaurant industry the recognition it deserves — from neighbourhood bistros and family-run kitchens to the fine-dining rooms that define British hospitality.
Launched by Republic Worldwide Group (RWG) in partnership with the World Restaurant Awards Group, producers of the World Restaurant & Hotel Awards, the awards were built as an independent, national platform where every corner of British dining could be seen and celebrated.
What began as a single London ceremony has grown into a national celebration — one that places restaurants, chefs and hospitality teams at the centre of the conversation.
A Timeline of British Hospitality
The Beginning
The first British Restaurant Awards brought the industry together in London, establishing a new national platform dedicated to celebrating restaurants, chefs and hospitality teams across the United Kingdom. From the outset, the awards were designed to be inclusive — open to established names and emerging talent alike.
"Every part of the restaurant industry deserved the opportunity to be seen, celebrated and recognised."
Celebrating the Next Generation of Restaurants
In its second year, the awards turned the spotlight on a new wave of restaurants redefining British dining — independent openings, innovative concepts and ambitious young venues bringing fresh energy to high streets and city centres. The Best New Restaurant recognition was introduced to champion the venues shaping the future of British hospitality.
Recognising Emerging Culinary Talent
The 2019 edition placed emerging culinary talent at the centre of the conversation, introducing the Best Young Chef recognition to celebrate the chefs whose skill, creativity and dedication are driving the next generation of British cooking.
Celebrating Strength and Resilience
After a period that tested the entire hospitality industry, the 2022 awards returned with a renewed sense of purpose. The ceremony honoured not only achievement, but the resilience and community that carried British restaurants through their most challenging years.
"It was not simply a celebration of achievement. It was a celebration of the people whose passion and perseverance kept British hospitality alive."
A Growing National Stage
The awards continued to grow, welcoming restaurants from more cities and shining a light on the full breadth of talent across the British dining scene — from neighbourhood favourites to destination kitchens.
Expanding the Conversation
Each edition broadened the conversation, reflecting the evolving tastes, techniques and traditions that define British hospitality today and the people who keep them moving forward.
Honouring the Full Spectrum of British Dining
With every cycle, the awards drew closer to their founding ambition — a truly national celebration of the people, places and experiences behind British dining, whatever the style or setting.
The Next Ceremony
The next British Restaurant Awards ceremony takes place on 14 September 2026 at The Crown London, bringing the industry together once again to recognise excellence across the nation. Restaurants, chefs and hospitality teams from across the United Kingdom will gather for the next chapter.
A National Celebration of British Dining
Today, the British Restaurant Awards brings together restaurants, chefs, diners and industry figures from across the United Kingdom. From luxury dining rooms to neighbourhood favourites, from international kitchens to modern British pioneers, the awards reflect the full diversity of the country's restaurant scene.
Each edition is shaped by the public and the industry together — a recognition built on the voices of the people who create, run and love British restaurants.
"To champion excellence, celebrate diversity and provide a trusted national platform for the very best of British hospitality."
Our Mission
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Whether you run a restaurant, work in a kitchen or simply love great British dining, there's a place for you in the British Restaurant Awards.
British Restaurant Awards
42 Theobalds Road
London
WC1X 8NW
The British Restaurant Awards were launched by Republic Worldwide Group (RWG) in partnership with the World Restaurant Awards Group, producers of the World Restaurant & Hotel Awards.