Standalone restaurants to be charged for AA Rosette scheme

The AA has announced the introduction of an annual scheme fee of £180 for standalone restaurants.

Previously, standalone restaurants did not pay any fee to take part in the AA’s schemes, unlike hotels and restaurants with rooms, and also appeared without charge in guidebooks, website and received “many of the same marketing benefits as AA scheme members”.

However, restaurants that now reach the level of one or two Rosette awards will be invited to join or continue their membership of the AA scheme with the payment of a scheme fee.

The AA said it will continue to visit new restaurants and invite those restaurants that meet the standard of a Rosette Award to join the scheme.

A statement by the AA read: “The AA is proud to have recognised thousands of great chefs since 1956 when the AA Rosette award became the first nationwide scheme for assessing the quality of food.

“The Rosette awards have become a symbol of excellence for both the culinary industry and the general public.”

It continued: “AA inspectors visit, pay their own bill, and provide feedback that results in Rosette plates being posted out and proudly displayed on restaurant walls up and down the country.”