Friends
Our Friends members support the philosophy and activities of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and may book to attend all of its events, providing the opportunity to network with Academicians and Associate members. They do not necessarily need to have a background in hospitality.
To qualify for membership Friends must be nominated by an established Fellow, Friend, Academician or Associate.
The benefits of being a Friend
The invitation to become a Friend of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts is to join a small and industry-supporting network of like-minded individuals that confers multiple benefits, including:
Two unique Friends dinners held each year at elite venues;
The opportunity to attend Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Plenary Meetings lunches at high-end industry locations, at which updates on the work of the Academy and industry presentations are given while we thank our members for their support;
Participation in fund raising dinners and initiatives, including in new supper clubs in the Escoffier Restaurant of Capital City College Westminster, prepared by students under the guidance of Academician chefs, with primary school children from a local Academy Adopt a School serving canapés adding real charm to the evening.
Dinners and lunches are prepared and attended by Academicians, providing Friends with the opportunity to meet and network with some of the UK’s finest chefs, restaurateurs, and restaurant managers.
The modest annual subscription supports the professional development of young, aspiring students through the Academy’s work with the Adopt a School charity, our Accredited Apprenticeship, and the College Community Programme, as well as lifelong learning through our Annual Awards of Excellence and Master of Culinary Arts programmes.
For Friends with a background in hospitality, there is also an opportunity to give something back via occasional mentoring support
Apprenticeships
Our Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Apprentices become future leaders
Ruth Hansom
Chef Owner
Hansom Restaurant
Deepak Mallya
Executive Sous Chef
The Ritz Hotel London
Your membership funds our continual professional development
awards programmes
Stephen Toon was appointed Chair of RACA Friends in 2025.
Recently retired from his role as Executive Director at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews after spending 46 years working in golf and hospitality, his international experience encompasses five-star hotels, resorts, proprietary and private clubs.
The Friends are a very valuable group within RACA, and recognising this, Stephen has worked diligently in revitalising this chapter of our membership, sharing the Friends' wealth of industry experience with other RACA Members and core initiatives, such as the Adopt a School Trust.
With Stephen’s extensive experience and commitment to our values, we look forward to sharing new events and initiatives with the Friends of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
Our Chair
