Paul Ainsworth wins Award for Special Contribution at Trencherman’s Awards 2025

Winners of Trencherman’s Awards 2025 revealed at a glamorous ceremony at Homewood near Bath

Paul Ainsworth was among the South West culinary stars presented with a coveted Trencherman’s Award plate on the evening of March 24. The region’s leading chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers and food and drink businesses gathered at the quirky and luxurious hotel on the outskirts of Bath for the hotly anticipated ceremony and multi-course supper.

Winners of the prestigious reader-voted dining awards included Ayesha Kalaji of Queen of Cups in Glastonbury, Barnaby’s in Padstow and OSIP in Bruton (full list below). Between award announcements, top chefs Ben Palmer of The Sardine Factory in Looe, Nicholas Balfe of Holm in Somerset, Ayesha Kalaji, and Jamie Forman of Homewood crafted a stunning four-course feast for attendees.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the food and celebrations here.

The winners

Trencherman’s Award for Special Contribution (sponsored by Trevethan Distillery)

Winner: Paul Ainsworth

Best Trencherman’s Chef (sponsored by Hallgarten & Novum Wines)

Winner: Ayesha Kalaji, Queen of Cups, Glastonbury

Finalists: Paul Ainsworth at No6 in Padstow; Isabel Joscelyne of Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow; Merlin Labron-Johnson of OSIP in Bruton; and Tommy Thorn of Puro in Clevedon

Best Trencherman’s Restaurant (sponsored by Alliance)

Winner: Barnaby’s, Pastow

Finalists: BANK in Bristol; The Clockspire in Sherborne; OSIP in Bruton; Paul Ainsworth at No6 in Pastow

Best Trencherman’s Hotel (sponsored by Classic Fine Foods)

Winner: St Michaels Resort, Falmouth

Finalists: Bovey Castle on Dartmoor; The Headland Hotel in Newquay; Hotel Endsleigh on Dartmoor; The Priory Hotel in Wareham

Best Trencherman’s Pub (sponsored by Sharp’s Brewing Co)

Winner: The Chagford Inn, Dartmoor

Finalists: Bearslake Inn on Dartmoor; Chequers in Bath; The Gurnard’s Head in Zennor; The Tartan Fox near Newquay

Award for Creativity and Innovation (sponsored by St. Ewe)

Winner: OSIP, Bruton

Finalists: Àclèaf at Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa near Plymouth; Ardor in St Ives; Ogo at Bedruthan in Mawgan Porth; Reef Knot Restaurant at The Idle Rocks in St Mawes

Best Front of House Team (sponsored by Navas)

Winner: The Clockspire, Sherborne

Finalists: Beach House Falmouth (formerly Hooked on the Rocks); The Farm Table in Topsham; Iford Manor Kitchen near Bath; Salumi Bar & Eatery in Plymouth

Best Trencherman’s Newcomer (sponsored by Harvey & Brockless)

Winner: Iford Manor Kitchen, near Bath

Finalists: Barnaby’s in Padstow; The Chagford Inn on Dartmoor; The Farm Table in Topsham; Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes

Best Bar List

Winner: The Farm Table, Topsham

Finalists: Bovey Castle on Dartmoor; Corkage in Bath; Hive Beach Cafe in Burton Bradstock; Roth Bar in Bruton

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