The top names in food and hospitality have been singled out as winners at the Scottish Excellence Awards 2026.
Scotland’s hospitality community came together at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa on Thursday 26th March for an evening aimed at celebrating the very best individuals, businesses and teams across the industry.
Award-winners included big-name chefs, including Szilard Szentesi and Dean Banks, alongside newcomers Elements in Glasgow. Independent hotel, the Gordon Arms Restaurant with Rooms in the Scottish Borders, was highlighted alongside the likes of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. A special Lifetime Excellence award was handed to Jill Chalmers in recognition of her long career in hospitality and her more recent work redeveloping Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire.
Considered the sector’s most trusted awards in hospitality, the awards recognise achievement, innovation and a consistent commitment to excellence across foodservice, tourism and hospitality. This year’s winners showcased the very best in resilience, adaptability and diversity of the sector, with representation from emerging culinary talent to established chefs, restaurants, hotels and other operators.
Co-founder, Alex Buchanan, said: “Scotland’s hospitality industry continues to set the standard for excellence and the latest winners are a true reflection of that. The sheer breadth of talent on show this year is clear evidence of the resilience of the sector despite tough operating conditions across the world.
“The industry has faced no shortage of challenges in recent years, but tonight is a reminder of just how creative and adaptable people and businesse scan be. On behalf of everyone at the Scottish Excellence Awards, I want to extend our warmest congratulations to every single winner and finalist.”
This year’s winners include:
The Banqueting and Events Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Hub International
- Craig Palmer, Entier, Aberdeen
The Employee Engagement and Retention Award, sponsored by Caterer.com
- Meallmore, Inverness
The Sustainable Business of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Buell Hospitality and Green Tourism
- The Edinburgh International Conference Centre
The Pub Excellence Award, sponsored by Inspire Catering
- The Colintraive Hotel, Kyles of Bute
The Hospitality Trainer of the Year Award, sponsored by Focus on Hospitality
- Lauren Shields, Hub International
The Pâtisserie Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Charles Stamper and Saltire Pâtisserie
- Szilard Szentesi, Mar Hall, by Glasgow
The Wellbeing in Hospitality Award, sponsored by MGN Fire Protection & Joinery
- BaxterStorey Scotland
The Young Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Albert Bartlett
- Sam Currie, The Leddie, Aberlady
The Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Caterer.com
- Troy Sides, Divino Enoteca, Edinburgh
The Restaurant of the Year Award, sponsored by Lyreco Nespresso Professional
- Haar Restaurant with Rooms, St Andrews
The Group Hotel of the Year Award, co-sponsored by The Full Range and Huckleberry
- The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
The Eatery Newcomer of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Mark Murphy Dole and Sound Bite PR
- Elements, Glasgow
The Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey Scotland
- Dean Banks
The Independent Hotel of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Avendra International and Elis
- The Gordon Arms Restaurant with Rooms, Yarrow Valley, Scottish Borders
The Lifetime Excellence Award, sponsored by Thomas Franks Scotland
- Jill Chalmers