Top chef Liam Dillon has added another major accolade to a successful year after being named Restaurant/Hotel Chef of the Year by the British Culinary Federation (BCF).
The accolade was presented at the BCF’s annual awards evening held in Birmingham, which brought together leading chefs, suppliers and industry professionals from across the UK.
Presented by Simon Smith, Director at Aubrey Allen, the Louis Cipolla trophy for Restaurant/Hotel Chef of the Year is awarded for the greatest contribution to the profession by any restaurant/hotel chef.
Liam is the chef and owner of The Boat restaurant and micro farm in Lichfield, which became Staffordshire’s second Michelin-starred restaurant earlier this year.
He was also shortlisted in the Restaurateur of the Year – Independent category at The Cateys 2026, another prestigious annual awards programme for the UK Hospitality industry.
A BCF spokesperson said: “Liam has a very strong pedigree, having worked in many renowned establishments prior to opening his own successful Restaurant and Micro-Farm, including working at Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, Restaurant Story with Tom Sellers, The Quay in Sidney, Australia, Noma in Copenhagen and 11 Madison in New York.
“A very talented and focused chef whose business continues to grow with his ambitious creativity. Awarded a Michelin Star this year and shortlisted for a Catey Award.”
