Friends
Friends membership is open to those who support the philosophy and work of the Academy
Why join?
Becoming a Friend of the Royal Academy funds the future of the UK Hospitality industry!
Your membership fee is invested in young talent to secure its future.
Apprenticeships
Our Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Apprentices Become Future Leaders
Ruth Hansom
Chef Owner
Hansom Restaurant
Deepak Mallya
Executive Sous Chef
The Ritz Hotel London
Your membership funds our continual professional development
awards programs
Stephen Toon was appointed Chair of RACA Friends in 2025.
Recently retired from his role as Executive Director at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews after spending 46 years working in golf and hospitality, his international experience encompasses five-star hotels, resorts, proprietary and private clubs.
The Friends are a very valuable group within RACA, and recognising this, Stephen aims to improve communication, sharing the Friends' wealth of industry experience with other RACA Members and core initiatives, such as the Adopt a School Trust.
With Stephen’s extensive experience and commitment to our values, we look forward to sharing new events and initiatives with the Friends of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
Our Chair
Events
We are a social group and our events are second to none!
Join an invite-only supper club at one of our member’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Join a vineyard tour of one of the UK’s leading producers, visit Buckingham Palace after hours and drink Champagne and network with some of the UK’s top culinary stars. Our events are always VIP and varied. Thinking of dining at one of our member’s restaurants? Let them know you’ll be dining with them using our code and you’ll be shown the best seat in the house!
