Entries for the UK's NRAs Sustainability Award Are Now Open

We’re delighted to share that The Sustainable Restaurant Association will once again lead the judging of the Estrella Damm Sustainability Award for the UK’s National Restaurant Awards in 2026. 

The submissions questionnaire is based on a simplified version of the Framework that underpins Food Made Good, the world’s leading sustainability Standard for the hospitality sector. The Framework spans three key areas: Sourcing, Society and Environment, covering everything from procurement and menu design to environmental impacts such as food waste, energy, water and materials, as well as how businesses support their teams, customers and wider communities. 

This award is open to restaurants across the UK. The SRA is looking for a clear, overarching approach to sustainability, alongside one or more focused, measurable actions delivered over the past year. Strong submissions will demonstrate tangible impact, supported by good data, clear goals, clear communication and cross-team collaboration. This could take many forms, from social impact work and grassroots community initiatives to operational change or supplier collaboration, with strong entries reaching into communities, improving the impact of supply chains or influencing wider industry practices. Submissions may highlight a single standout initiative or a broader, integrated approach from which others can learn and take inspiration. 

All submissions will be reviewed by The SRA’s team of sustainability experts.  

Submissions for the Estrella Damm Sustainability Award are now open and will close on 8th May, with the shortlist announced by 22nd May. The awards ceremony will take place on 8th June in London, where all shortlisted entrants will be invited and the winner revealed. 

Submit your entry here: Enter the Estrella Damm Sustainability Award

If you have any questions about the process, please drop us a line at standard@thesra.org. 

Meet last year's winner

If you need some inspiration, check out last year’s winner. The Sustainability Award shortlist in 2025 was particularly strong, but ultimately The Free Company stood out for its deep, systemic approach to regeneration, offering a working model of restaurant and farm as one unified, regenerative system. 

The Free Company is a seasonal restaurant and working organic and regenerative farm just outside Edinburgh. Their aim is to bridge the gap between food production and consumption, inviting people to eat where their food is grown and to connect with the land, the people and the systems behind every plate. 

Read more about why they won

About The National Restaurant Awards 

Since their launch in 2007, the National Restaurant Awards have highlighted the best of the UK’s restaurant scene, recognising and celebrating the most exceptional establishments, chefs and staff the country has to offer.  

Organised by industry-leading title Restaurant magazine, the Awards take place every summer at London’s Hurlingham Club, forming the largest annual gathering of top chefs and restaurateurs in the UK.  

On the night of the awards, the list of the 100 best restaurants in the UK is revealed, as voted for by a group of chefs, restaurateurs and food writers. A series of special awards are presented — including the Sustainability Award — before the evening culminates with the much-anticipated announcement of the National Restaurant of the Year. 

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