Liam Dillon, Chef Patron of Michelin-starred restaurant The Boat and neighbourhood pub The Two Pigs, has been named Restaurant Chef of the Year at the British Culinary Federation Awards.

Presented annually, the award recognises chefs who have made an outstanding contribution to the profession, celebrating both rising talent and established industry leaders from across the UK's hospitality sector.

Dillon’s commitment to sustainability, seasonality and innovation is supported by a pioneering micro-farm featuring pigs, polytunnels for year-round growing, beehives, and an expanding range of produce that supplies the kitchen. This approach has been central to The Boat’s identity and growing recognition, and the title of Restaurant Chef of the Year is incredibly well-deserved.

The accolade caps an exceptional year for Dillon. Earlier this year, The Boat was awarded its first Michelin star and was also named Lichfield Business of the Year, an award that recognises outstanding businesses in the area.

The Michelin Guide praised The Boat as having grown "into a proper dining destination", highlighting the exceptional quality of its ingredients, which are "treated with a skilled, detailed approach by Chef Liam Dillon and his team."

Following nine years of development, The Boat recently completed an extensive refurbishment before reopening in May. The redesigned interiors bring added warmth, elegance and comfort, providing the perfect setting for the restaurant's evolving dining experience.

Dillon continues to lead The Boat with a focus on seasonality, sustainability and strong relationships with local producers. Under his guidance, both The Boat and The Two Pigs continue to champion modern British cooking while celebrating the very best of local ingredients.

For more information or to book a table visit theboat.restaurant.