The pair, who run four restaurants under Galvin Restaurants, were voted for by their peers, who recognised their huge commitment to the industry.
"It is not difficult to see why the Galvin brothers are so well respected in the industry. They are both committed, hard working, totally hands on, passionate about developing young people and above all very modest and humble," said Simon Numphud of the AA.
The brothers, who have two Michelin stars and 10 AA Rosettes between them, also work with the industry and have set up the charity Galvin Chance, helping youngsters gain training and employment in leading hotels and restaurants. They said winning the award was 'everything' to them.
"Firstly as it is voted for by our peers and secondly seeing the list of previous winners makes it easy to see how special it really is. We have had a long association with the AA, which we are very proud of and the award is one of the highlights of our careers. Our team are thrilled for us and it is testament to their hard work and dedication."
Lifetime achievement
The Galvins were among 20 individuals and companies receiving accolades for excellence in their field at the ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane where the 2012 AA Guides to UK hotels, restaurants pubs and B&Bs were also launched.
Peter Lederer, chairman of Gleneagles, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award for his 'significant contribution' to the industry over the past 40 years. Lederer, who started at the resort as general manager in 1984 was praised for developing it into a world class resort hotel.
Businesses picking up awards included Thistle Hotels (Hotel Group of the Year) The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, voted Restaurant of the Year for England, The Savoy (London Hotel of the Year) and The Feathered Nest Inn, voted Pub of the Year for England.
The awards were presented by the BBC's Sophie Raworth. Chef Pierre Gagnaire was in charge of the kitchen team while entertainment was provided by Britain's Got Talent stars Out of the Blue.
The full list of winners of the AA Hospitality Awards 2011 are:
Lifetime Achievement - Peter Lederer
Chefs' Chef - Jeff and Chris Galvin
Hotel of the Year:
- England: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere
- Scotland: Blythswood Square, Glasgow
- Wales: St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot
- London: The Savoy
Restaurant of the Year:
- England: The Hand & Flowers, Marlow
- Scotland: Gordon’s Restaurant, Inverkeilor
- Wales: The Crown at Whitebrook
- London: Terroirs, WC4
Wine Award:
- England: La Trompette, London
- Scotland: Rhubarb, the restaurant at Prestonfield, Edinburgh
- Wales (and overall): The Bell at Skenfrith
Pub of the Year:
- England: Feathered Nest Inn, Nether Westcote
- Scotland: The Café Royal, Edinburgh
- Wales: The White Hart Village Inn, Llangybi
Small Hotel Group of the Year - Warner Leisure Hotels
Hotel Group of the Year - Thistle Hotels
Eco Hotel of the Year - Lancaster London
Eco Hotel Group of the Year - QHotels