Bains, who opened Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms in Nottingham in 2002, was made an honorary Doctor of Arts by the university on Monday (20 July) for his national and international work, his support of Nottingham's restaurant sector and championing of local produce.
The chef, who used Nottingham Trent's environmental chamber to help him prepare for a trip to Everest where he was attempting to set a world record for the highest dinner party, said 2015 was turning out to be an 'exceptional year' after he was awarded the Craft Guild of Chefs' Special Award.
He said: "It’s such an honour to be recognised by Nottingham Trent with this. I will be forever grateful for the help and support of the University with the altitude training for the Everest Dinner and in particular, Neil Williams from the Science and Technology Department. Then to stand in front of a room full of graduates is just the most humbling experience.
"Nottingham is an exceptional city. In fact it’s been an exceptional year so far. I can hardly believe it."
The honorary degree is Bains' third. The chef, whose restaurant gained its first Michelin star in 2003 and its second in 2011, was made an honorary Doctor of Professional Practiceby Derby University in 2010 and received a Master of Arts honoris causa from the University of Nottingham Master in 2012.
Last week the chef announced plans to open only four days a week - from Wednesday to Saturday - from November, to encourage staff longevity and give Bains more time in his development kitchen.