James Martin to host AA Awards

The ceremony will be held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Tuesday 2 September. Since starting as Head Chef at Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester when he was only 22, James has made a great impact in the culinary world working in a number of illustrious restaurants, and becoming a regular face on TV. Well-known for his appearances on Ready Steady Cook, James is currently gracing our screens as presenter of BBC1's hugely successful Saturday Kitchen. Five AA five rosette chefs – Marcus Wareing, Raymond Blanc, David Nicholls, Chris Staines and Tom Aikens,– will, in conjunction with the Grosvenor House kitchen team, cook for the one thousand attendees, each chef taking responsibility for one element of the gourmet menu. AA Hotel Services Manager Simon Numphud said: "As it's AA Hotel Services' Centenary year, we wanted to do something very special this year, which is why we have chosen James Martin as our 'celebrity' presenter and have asked five acclaimed chefs to prepare the celebratory dinner! Our Awards have gone from strength to strength and this year will be better than ever and an event not to be missed!" James Martin said: "Having worked closely within the industry with many top establishments and individuals in the AA recognition scheme, it will be an honour to front this prestigious event as AA Hotel Services celebrates its centenary year." Winners will be announced for a range of categories on the night including: AA Hotel Group of the Year AA Small Hotel Group of the Year AA Hotel of the Year AA Restaurant of the Year AA Pub of the Year AA Wine Award AA Chef's Chef of the Year Award AA Lifetime Achievement Award Tickets are available to buy, priced at £175 per person or £1,500 per table of ten. (All prices exclude VAT). Simply go to www.aahospitalityawards.com/tickets For further information visit, www.aahospitalityawards.com