BCF executive vice-president, Andreas Antona awarded MBE

The BCF is delighted to announce that chef Andreas Antona has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for services to the hospitality sector and charity.

From everyone at the British Culinary Federation, we extend our warmest congratulations to Andreas on this remarkable achievement.  From the early days of the Midlands Association of Chefs and now, the British Culinary Federation, his professionalism, commitment and passion have always been evident.

A truly well-deserved honour, recognising Andreas’s outstanding contribution to British hospitality and his long-standing dedication to Bocuse d’Or Team UK. Over many years, his leadership, passion and commitment have helped shape and strengthen the organisation, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the team today.

Andreas said: “Being named a Member of the British Empire in this year's King’s Birthday Honours was a tremendous surprise.  I am thrilled to be acknowledged for my contribution to the sector I have loved since childhood.

British hospitality is going through very challenging times but it is still the strong, powerful and diverse industry that I’ve always felt so strongly connected to.

When running Simpsons with Luke Tipping and Andy Waters from our small kitchen in Kenilworth, I would never have imagined that we would inspire, train and mentor so many successful chefs and front of house teams. Nurturing the next generation is one of my proudest accomplishments. 

Fostering the next generation of culinary talent was one of the reasons why I became involved in the Bocuse d’Or. I wanted to create a legacy that would filter down to those starting out in the industry. I also wanted to show that with the right backing and resource, the pinnacle of world cooking can be reached by a British chef.

Throughout my career, I have enjoyed both working as a chef and spending time in the company of chefs. I am grateful for the many meaningful and long-standing friendships I have made.

Finally, I’d like to thank all those who nominated me for this award. It is an incredible honour to be recognised and I will be holding my head high, proud and privileged to represent my peers in hospitality on such an auspicious occasion."