Cateys 2026: Newcomer Award – Hansom Restaurant

Ruth Hansom’s first site, Hansom Restaurant in Bedale, North Yorkshire, made an indelible impression on judges, both for exceptional food and its above-and-beyond service since its 2024 debut.

The British restaurant and wine bar is situated in a 16th-century, Grade II-listed building and is run by chef-patron Hansom with the support of a small front of house team and husband Mark Hansom-Rigby.

It has been a true labour of love for the pair. The restaurant was entirely self-funded by the couple and they have worked tirelessly to keep costs down. Since opening, Hansom has been the only chef in the kitchen, taking the small plates and tasting menus from prep to plate singlehandedly.

A zero-waste policy, focusing on sourcing sustainably, relying on local suppliers and allotments, adds another impressive element to the venue’s achievements in the short time it has been operating.

Hansom’s husband, upon arriving home from his own full-time job, even offered guests to the rural North Yorkshire restaurant a complimentary lift home so they could enjoy a glass of wine with their meal or not walk home in the dark – a well-intentioned gesture which was unfortunately shut down by red tape enforced by the local council.

These efforts not gone unnoticed by the industry, however, and Hansom was listed in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland within a year of opening as well as being named in Square Meal’s top 100 restaurants for 2026. The Times’ Giles Coren called Hansom his top restaurant of 2025, and Hansom also ranked third in the 2025 Craft Guild of Chefs competition.

Despite her jam-packed schedule running the restaurant almost singlehandedly, the chef is also a passionate advocate for the wider industry. The 2020 Great British Menu alumnus was the first women to win the Young National Chef of the Year in 2017 and she has worked to mentor female chefs throughout her career, such as with caterer BaxterStorey’s Chef Academy.

One judge hailed Hansom as “a true industry light that represents all of us, as well as her business”, while another described her eponymous North Yorkshire restaurant as “a beacon of excellence.” It is therefore no wonder that her restaurant has gained the Newcomer Award title.

What the judges said

“Ruth delivers on every single criteria this award values – real risk, real reputation, real care for people and footprint. As a female chef carrying a fine dining kitchen almost single-handedly, this was a really impressive entry.” Lily Cai

“A perfectly realised, cohesive restaurant, shaped and delivered by the passion and talent of Ruth Hansom. She is a chef-patron who is not only leading her own business, but also taking the whole sector forwards.” Thom Hetherington

The shortlist

• Barry Fish, Edinburgh
• The Clover Club, Newquay
• Moss, Edinburgh
• Hansom Restaurant, North Yorkshire
• Nàdair, Edinburgh
• Hyll, Chipping Camden

The judges

• Pascal Aussignac
• Richard Ball, Calcot Collection
• Lily Cai, Dinner Ladies
• Thom Hetherington, Landing Light
• Thomas Pass, Culinera
• Emily Roux, Caractère
• James Robson, Fallow, Roe, Fowl