05:05PM, Tuesday 30 September 2025
Pictured: The team at The Braywood at their opening in 2024.
A restaurant in Paley Street and the founders of a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Bray are among the winners at the AA Hospitality Awards 2025.
The prestigious culinary accolades celebrate excellence in the hospitality industry and seek the best eateries and chefs across the UK.
Hundreds of guests from across the hospitality industry gathered at JW Marriott Grosvenor House for a glittering ceremony on Monday, September 22.
Hosted by TV presenter Vernon Kay, the awards honoured the best hospitality establishments across 18 categories, along with new AA rosette-winning restaurants.
Chefs Alain and Michel Roux Jnr were presented with the Outstanding Contribution Award for their long careers running Michelin-starred restaurants, including the Waterside Inn in Bray.
The Roux cousins, respective sons of the late Michel and Albert Roux, were honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2008.
At The Waterside Inn, Chef Alain Roux has created the Michel Roux private library in honour of his late father, showcasing the family’s unique collection of cookery books and memorabilia.
This neighbours the state-of-the-art Alain Roux Culinary School, which supports young chefs through the annual Roux Scholarship competition every spring.
Chef Alain Roux said he was ‘honoured and humbled’ to share the Outstanding Contribution award with his cousin.
“It truly belongs to my family and to every colleague, guest and supplier,” he added.
“They have supported me throughout a career launched as an apprentice aged 16, now spanning over four decades, including The Waterside Inn, where I began as a lowly cook in 1992.
“This year marks 40 consecutive years of Three Michelin Stars at The Waterside Inn - a remarkable tribute to my father Michel, our exceptional teams, and the power of consistency.
“I hope this recognition inspires young chefs everywhere to see where hard work and dedication can lead.”
All of 2025’s restaurant award winners and new rosette holders will now be included in the AA Restaurant Guide 2026.
The Braywood was upgraded to three AA rosettes for culinary excellence, with inspectors commending them for 'outstanding cooking and great hospitality in a stylish modern restaurant'.
The restaurant in Paley Street opened in November last year under WSH Restaurants, having replaced the old Royal Oak venue, which once held a Michelin star.
In a Facebook statement on Tuesday, September 23, accompanied by photos from the awards ceremony, Chef Sam Brennan said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to receive 3 AA Rosettes.
"It’s a testament to the passion our entire team brings to every plate and every service. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and to continue delighting our guests."
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