Cardiff’s own Gorse has been crowned Wales Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards 2025, held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London. The Michelin-starred restaurant, led by chef Tom Waters, has become a standout name in Welsh dining, celebrated for its modern approach and strong commitment to local produce.
It was a successful night for Wales overall. Gareth Ward of Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms in Eglwys Fach was named Chefs’ Chef of the Year and also collected the Wine Award for Wales. Meanwhile, St Brides Spa Hotel in Pembrokeshire was recognised as Wales Hotel of the Year.
Located in the suburb of Pontcanna, Gorse takes inspiration from Wales’ farmers, fishermen and food producers, with dishes that shine a light on the very best the country has to offer. Waters’ philosophy is centred on creating thoughtful, ingredient-led plates that reflect both time and place, something that clearly impressed the judges.
The AA Hospitality Awards are regarded as one of the highest honours in the industry, drawing over 960 leading figures from across the UK to celebrate excellence in hotels, restaurants, spas, inns, and B&Bs. Hosted this year by broadcaster Vernon Kay, the event handed out 18 awards, including the brand-new AA Rising Star Award.
Speaking about the importance of the awards, Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, 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.”
All of 2025’s restaurant award winners and new Rosette holders are included in the AA Restaurant Guide 2026, available now.
The full list of this year’s AA Hospitality Award winners can also be found here on RatedTrips.com:
Chefs’ Chef of the Year
- Gareth Ward of Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, Eglwys Fach
Lifetime Achievement Award
- James Thomson OBE of Prestonfield, Edinburgh
Outstanding Contribution Award
- Alain Roux and Michel Roux Jr
Restaurants of the Year
- England – Skof, Manchester
- London – Joséphine, London
- Wales – Gorse, Cardiff
- Scotland – The Little Chartroom, Edinburgh
Hotels of the Year
- England – The Cavendish Hotel, Derbyshire
- London – 1 Hotel Mayfair, London
- Wales – St Brides Spa Hotel, Pembrokeshire
- Scotland – 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Northern Ireland – The Old Inn, County Down
Group of the Year
- Daniel Thwaites (hotels, inns and spas)
Small Hotel Group of the Year
- Brend Collection
Wine Award
- England and Overall – Sketch Lecture Room & Library, London
- Wales – Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, Eglwys Fach
- Scotland – Timberyard, Edinburgh
Rising Star of the Year
- Nataliia Maiseionok – Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Derbyshire
Housekeeper of the Year
- Amit Pal – Prestonfield, Edinburgh
Sustainable Award
- The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
Inn of the Year
- The George Inn, Somerset
B&B of the Year
- The 25 Boutique B&B, Devon
Restaurant with Rooms of the Year
- Restaurant Interlude, West Sussex
Spa Hotel of the Year
- Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire
Restaurant Team Award
- The Goring, London
College Restaurant of the Year
- @34 Restaurant – Exeter College
New 5 Rosettes
- Forest Side, Grasmere
- Row on 5, London
New 4 Rosettes
- Cedar Tree Restaurant by Hrishikesh Desai, Cumbria
- HAAR, Fife
- Restaurant Interlude, West Sussex
- Forge @ Middleton Estate, North Yorkshire
- Solstice by Kenny Atkinson, Newcastle Upon Tyne
- SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, Cumbria
New 3 Rosettes
- The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest, Northumberland
- Skof, Manchester
- The Horn of Plenty, Devon
- The Greyhound, Buckinghamshire
- Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, Daventry
- The Avenue at Lainston House, Winchester
- Sushi Kanesaka (45 Park Lane), London
- Melton’s, North Yorkshire
- Gorse, Cardiff
- The Braywood, Berkshire
- The Homestead Kitchen, North Yorkshire
- The Three Chimneys, Colbost
- Gravetye Manor, West Hoathly
New 5 Red Stars
- Raffles London at The OWO, London
- The Beaumont Mayfair, London
- 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh
New 4 Red Stars
- The Elms, Worcestershire
- Down Hall Hotel & Spa, Hertfordshire
- The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa, Lavenham
- Foxhills, Surrey
New 3 Red Stars
- The Pig in The Cotswolds, Cotswolds
