The Annual Awards of Excellence (AAE), established in 1983, are the most prestigious awards available to young people in the hospitality industry.

2025 Entries Open!

Enter Now

Showcase your talent in our three disciplines:
CHEF, SERVICE, PASTRY CHEF

Annual Awards of Excellence (AAE)

Where culinary talent meets recognition and accomplishment. The AAE is a platform that celebrates the artistry of young Chefs, Pastry Chefs, and Waiters. This is your chance to shine and showcase your skills on a prestigious stage at some of the UK’s top venues where excellence is both recognized and rewarded.

Why Participate in AAE?

🍽️ Elevate Your Craft: AAE isn't just about winning; it's about honing your craft to new heights. Participating in the exam challenges you to push your culinary boundaries and refine your skills, helping you reach your true potential as a culinary professional.

🏆 Earn Your Recognition: Every participant has the opportunity to earn an award. The AAE exam is designed to acknowledge and celebrate your dedication to the culinary arts. Your hard work and commitment will be acknowledged by seasoned judges who understand the intricacies of the industry.

🌍 Join a Prestigious Network: By participating in AAE, you become part of a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for culinary excellence. Connect with our expert panel of judges and Chefs, Pastry Chefs, and Waiters from around the country, fostering collaborations and friendships that can last a lifetime.

How Does AAE Work? 📝 It Is Not A Competition:
The judges evaluate your expertise based on a set of criteria that showcase your technical mastery, creativity, and ability to meet the highest standards of excellence. If you achieve the standard you receive the award.

Here are your entry questions for Kitchen, Service and Pastry

Kitchen Entry Question

George Blogg MCA Executive Head Chef at Gravetye Manor

Kitchen Entry Task

We would like to hear from you via video entry. Below is your question:

If we gave you two mackerel what cold starter dish would you create for us
using the mackerel in at least two different ways.

Guidelines for your video
1. Please state your name.
2. Please state where you work and your position.
3. Why you want to enter.
4. Describe your mackerel starter dish and your thinking behind it.
5. A maximum of 90 seconds please.

-There is no need to show the dish you have in mind, but if you want to then you can.
-If you progress through the semi-finals you will asked to create this dish at the final.
-Based on your answers and your C.V. the judging committees will assess your suitability to enter the award.

Kitchen Closing Date Friday 31st January

Service Entry Question & Example Answer

Melissa Fergus, General Manager, Mauro Colagreco, Raffles London at The OWO.

Service Entry Task

Service candidates are required to submit a video entry.

Guidelines for your video
1. Tell us your name.
2. What is your position and place of work.
3. Something that you love about your role there.

-Based on your answers and your C.V. the judging committees will assess your suitability to enter the award.
-Press ensure that your video is no more than one minute long:

Service Closing Date Friday 31st January 2025

Pastry Entry Questions

Will Torrent, Partner & Senior Brand Development Chef, Waitrose & Partners

Pastry Entry Task

You may enter via video or using the written form which follows.
Below are your questions:

- Who inspires you within the industry and why?
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
- How would you describe your pastry style?

Guidelines for your video
1. Tell us again who you are.
2. Where do you work and what is your position?
3. Ensure that you answer all three questions

-Based on your answers and your C.V. the judging committees will assess your suitability to enter the award.

Pastry Closing Date Monday 6th January 2025

““Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution”.”

— Aristotle

Rules

How do you achieve the award?

Enter your respective field via the entry form
Entries are reviewed by our chairmen and then you are invited to compete if eligable.
Kitchen & Pastry candidates receive your semi-final task sheets.
Service candidates receive your instructions for the quarter-finals.
Practice with your mentor! Success is best achieved as a team.
Service Compete at the quarter-final- Tested on Theory & your Restaurant Menu
Pastry Compete at the semi-final 5 hours to produce classic recipes set in the task sheet.
Kitchen Compete at the semi-final 5 hours to produce classic recipes set in the task sheet.
Service Semi-Final - practice classic cocktails/carving skills/personal interview.
Progress to the final rounds
Pastry final - 5 half hours to produce patisserie, presentation cake & a display stand.
Kitchen final - 5 hours to produce 3 courses.
Mystery basket, classic recipe, & dessert
Service final - Prepare for and serve a 3-course meal to two guests.
All AAE Achievers are invited to Claridge’s for a gala celebration dinner to find out who will be crowned.
Young Chef / Young Pastry Chef / Young Waiter of the Year!

Take a look below to see what THE AAE 2024 GOT up to!!

AAE 2024 Photo galleries

AAE Kitchen Final 2024
University of West London

AAE GALA DINNER 2024
CLARIDGE’S

AAE Service Finals 2024
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Pastry Final 2024
University of West London

Meet our Chairs

Phil Howard

PRESIDENT OF THE AAE
Chef/Co-owner, Elystan Street
Alistair Birt MCA

CHAIRMAN OF PASTRY
Senior Head Chef, Harrods
Will Torrent

CHAIRMAN OF PASTRY
Senior Brand Development Chef, Waitrose & Partners
Martyn Nail

CHAIRMAN OF KITCHEN
Culinary Director, The Dorchester
Hywel Jones

CHAIRMAN OF KITCHEN
Executive Chef / Director of Food and Beverage Lucknam Park
Simon Girling

CHAIRMAN OF SERVICE
Director of Food & Beverage, The Ritz London
John Cousins

SERVICE AWARDS DIRECTOR
Director, The Food and Beverage Training Company
Sergio Rebecchi

AMBASSADOR OF AAE & MCA SERVICE
Director, Serenata Hospitality
Didier Garnier

VICE CHAIRMAN OF SERVICE
Proprietor, Le Colombier