Acorn Awards 2026 open for entries

‘I carry my Acorn with pride’

Acorn winners often speak of the pride and honour of setting foot into a network of the industry’s finest.

 

When 2025 Acorn winner Aashifa Hussain received her award last year, she said: “It is a true pleasure and privilege to be recognised with such a coveted award.”

 

Hussain, who works as education and quality manager at Well Grounded, added: “I carry my Acorn with pride knowing I join a beautiful community full of inspiring people honing their craft and being leaders within this vast and dynamic industry.”

 

Meanwhile, 2019 winner Liam Hatcher, CH&Co’s people director and Acorn Awards alumnus, said winning an Acorn “supercharged” his career by opening doors, building powerful networks and giving him the confidence to push further.

 

He added: “The Acorn Awards is a hospitality institution. For 40 years, they’ve recognised talent and inspired leaders in the making. As relevant today as they have ever been, the acclaim and opportunity winning an Acorn Award brings is immense.

 

“Talented, innovative, energetic people who can pivot with the ever-changing landscape are crucial to the continued success and growth of our industry and we must work together to attract, nurture and retain them.

 

“We’re proud and excited to continue to stand alongside The Caterer as headline sponsor of the Acorn Awards in this milestone year and shine a light on the inspirational young talent this industry has in abundance.”

How to enter the Acorn Awards 2026

Visit the Acorn Awards website to nominate a colleague for the Acorn Awards.

 

If you’re under 30 and want to enter yourself, find a colleague or mentor to support your application as they’ll be invited to the awards lunch on Monday 8 June 2026 to celebrate your win.

 

There are only three criteria for nominees: they must work in the hospitality industry; be under the age of 30 on 8 June 2026; and be available for the winners’ weekend which will take place at Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire on Sunday 7 and Monday 8 June 2026.  

 

From the sponsor

Celebrating and nurturing talent

At CH&Co, creating amazing food and service experiences that leave lasting impressions is what we’re all about. From workplaces and education institutions to iconic venues, renowned tourist attractions, livery halls and events, our brands bring something special to every sector of hospitality we touch in the UK and Ireland.

 

Our people are at the root of our success. We’re committed to encouraging and developing them at every stage of their careers, ensuring everyone has the right tools and opportunities to grow with us and succeed. From the chefs and on-site teams serving our customers to those in our offices supporting our operations and clients, we want our people to feel supported, included and inspired to be their best.

 

From apprentices to senior leaders, we nurture talent with training, mentorship and real career opportunities that unlock potential and give our people the confidence and skills to excel in their roles, grow professionally and personally, and reach their goals.

 

Hospitality is an exciting career choice with a wide variety of roles and pathways available. With the right attitude, energy and support, the possibilities are endless. It’s important that we work closely with industry partners to champion our industry, highlight the opportunities and inspire future talent to join our vibrant sector.

 

For 40 years, the Acorn Awards have led the way in recognising hospitality’s rising stars. This esteemed award not only spotlights their achievements to date but also their successes to come. We’re proud to continue our partnership with The Caterer as headline sponsor of the Acorn Awards and play our part in celebrating and nurturing tomorrow’s industry leaders.

 

The Caterer’s Acorn Awards’ supporting partners are Umbrella Training and Caterer.com.