The Trencherman’s Awards 2026 winners announced

The winners of the Trencherman’s Awards 2026 have been announced, recognising the restaurants, chefs and teams shaping dining across the South West

Each year, the awards reflect a region defined by its connection to place – from coastal kitchens working with the dayboats’ catch to dining rooms rooted in the surrounding fields and moors. This year’s winners demonstrate an exceptional approach to cooking and hospitality, shaped by consistency and care.

The Award for Special Contribution is presented to Jill Stein, recognising her longstanding influence on hospitality in the South West. In her role as co-founder of The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, along with developing the brand and interior design of the entire Stein Restaurant Group, her place in shaping a world-renowned business and a regional powerhouse of the industry has been significant – contributing to the South West’s reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive dining destinations.

The awards dinner and ceremony

Held at the Carbis Bay Estate in St Ives, Cornwall, the evening was accompanied by a menu shaped by chefs from across the region.

The starter, from Luke Bryant of The Clockspire in Sherborne, was mushroom raviolo with wild garlic, egg yolk and asparagus. Following this was a gurnard tostada from Eddie Thomson and Rick Toogood of Barnaby’s, Padstow, paired with fermented Chinese cabbage and seaweed mayonnaise. For the main course, Ayesha Kalaji of Queen of Cups in Glastonbury presented a dish of venison and barberry borek with sour cherry and spiced loin, while dessert came courtesy of host chef Andrew Houghton of Carbis Bay Estate, St Ives, with a rhubarb tart and mascarpone cream.

The menu was accompanied by a selection of wines, beers and non-alcoholic pairings, alongside canapés served on arrival. Ingredients and drinks were supplied by a number of partners across the region, including Four Seasons Fruiterers, Harvey & Brockless, La Chasse, Wing of St Mawes, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, Sharp’s Brewery, Trevethan, Navas and Origin Coffee.

Winners

Special Contribution – in partnership with Trevethan

Winner: Jill Stein

Best Chef – in partnership with Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Winner: Ben Champkin, Catch at the Old Fish Market, Weymouth

Best Restaurant – in partnership with Four Seasons Fruiterers

Winner: Ugly Butterfly, Newquay

Best Hotel – in partnership with La Chasse

Winner: Homewood, near Bath

Best Pub – in partnership with Sharp’s Brewery

Winner: The Tytherleigh Arms, near Axminster

Creativity and Innovation – in partnership with Wing of St Mawes

Winner: Holm, South Petherton

Best Front of House Team – in partnership with Navas

Winner: Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth

Best Trencherman’s Newcomer – in partnership with Harvey & Brockless

Winner: Lapin, Bristol

Best Bar List – in partnership with Salt Media

Winner: Kota, Porthleven

View this year’s finalists here.

Gallery of photos from the event to follow.

With thanks to our partners

The Trencherman’s Awards are made possible with the support of a select number of partners whose values align closely with those of the guide. We are grateful for their continued involvement and commitment to independent hospitality.

Four Seasons Fruiterers, Hallgarten and Novum, Harvey and Brockless, La Chasse, Navas, Sharp’s Brewery, Trevethan and Wing of St Mawes