Celebrating hospitality’s future — and the people already shaping it

Every so often, the industry pauses.

Not to look at the challenges, but to recognise the people quietly making a difference — the ones leading teams, raising standards, and pushing things forward long before they’re expected to.

That’s what the Acorn Awards are about.

And in 2026, as they celebrate their 40th year, the message is simple:
the future of hospitality is already here.

What the Acorn Awards represent

The Acorn Awards — often referred to as the industry’s “30 under 30” — recognise 30 of the most talented individuals in UK hospitality under the age of 30.

But what makes them stand out isn’t just performance.

It’s:

  • Leadership at an early stage
  • Consistent impact in their roles
  • A clear contribution to the people and teams around them

This is talent that’s already delivering — not just promising.

The 2026 winners

This year’s winners were announced at the Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire, bringing together 30 individuals from across every part of the industry.

What stands out straight away is the breadth of talent.

This isn’t just chefs.
It’s the full ecosystem of hospitality — operations, front of house, leadership, support functions — all under one umbrella.

The 2026 Acorn Award winners:

  • Angelina Adamo – Chef Owner, Vieni
  • Megan Baldock – Development Chef, Culinera
  • Helen Bath – General Manager, The Old Bell Hotel
  • Chloe Brown – Head of F&B, InterContinental Edinburgh The George
  • Jack Bumstead – Digital Marketing Manager, GuestHouse Hotels
  • Cameron Chritchley – Hotel Manager, Dakota Manchester Airport
  • Sam Edwards – General Manager, The Three Horseshoes
  • Mitchell Fraser – Sales Manager, Company of Cooks
  • Kenan Gastasab – Guest Service Manager, voco Grand Central Glasgow
  • Marnie George – Senior Nutritionist, Compass Group Education
  • Elliot Harrison – Learning Technology Manager, Dishoom
  • Charlie Hester – Owner, The Clover Club
  • Laura Jamieson – General Manager, 100 Princes Street
  • Samantha Kirwan – Front Office Manager, Kimpton Charlotte Square
  • Lottie Lane – General Manager, BaxterStorey
  • Raegan Lynch – Restaurant Manager, Cromlix
  • Grace MacLeod – Operations Manager, Ness Walk Hotel
  • Barry Mays – Café Operations Manager, London Wildlife Trust
  • Megna Natali – Finance Manager, Restaurant Associates
  • Hannah Newsome – Assistant Country Club & Spa Manager, Swinton Estate
  • Jai O’Brien – General Manager, Forss House Hotel
  • Robbie Owen – Chef Manager, Thomas Franks
  • Kate Page – Head of Impact, Fooditude
  • Ella Pearson – Director of Operations, The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool
  • Joel Pennington – Restaurant Manager, The Cottage in the Wood
  • Annabel Rohm – Restaurant Manager, Gleneagles
  • Frazer Short – Bar & Restaurant Manager, The Leddie Hotel
  • Nikoletta Theofylaktidou – Senior Sous Chef, Restaurant Associates
  • Ciaran Thomas-Smith – Front Office Manager, Sea Containers London
  • Zoë Wesson – Food & Beverage Manager, The Waldorf Hilton, London

More than a list — a snapshot of the industry

When you step back and look at that list, it says a lot about where hospitality is today.

It shows:

  • Talent across every sector — hotels, pubs, restaurants, contract catering
  • Career paths that don’t follow one route
  • Leadership happening at every level, not just the top

There’s no single definition of what an “Acorn” looks like.

And that’s exactly the point.

What makes these individuals stand out

Across the board, there are clear themes in why these people have been recognised.

People-first leadership

They’re not just delivering results — they’re building teams and supporting those around them.

Innovation and adaptability

Finding new ways to improve operations, service, and experience.

Consistency

Showing up, delivering, and maintaining standards over time.

Long-term impact

Thinking beyond their role — contributing to the wider industry, not just their own progression.

This is the kind of talent that doesn’t just succeed — it raises the level for everyone else.

Why the Acorn Awards matter

In an industry that moves quickly, recognition like this plays an important role.

The Acorns:

  • Highlight the people who are pushing things forward
  • Show what good leadership looks like early on
  • Create a network of talent that continues to grow
  • And most importantly, reinforce the value of investing in people

For many winners, this isn’t the end goal — it’s a launch point.

A moment where the industry stops and says:
“You’re one to watch.”

A positive story for hospitality

There’s no avoiding the fact that hospitality has faced challenges.

But what the Acorn Awards remind us is that behind those challenges is an incredible amount of talent, ambition, and resilience.

These 30 individuals represent:

  • The next generation of leaders
  • The people driving change right now
  • And the future of the industry

And if this year’s list is anything to go by, that future is strong.

The bigger picture

As the awards reach their 40th year, their value feels clearer than ever.

Because hospitality doesn’t move forward through systems alone — it moves forward through people.

People who:

  • Care about what they do
  • Invest in others
  • And show up every day aiming to do things better

The Acorn Awards don’t just recognise that.
They celebrate it.