Acorn Awards 2025: Jun Au, Pomelo

Age 27

Position Chef patron, Pomelo

Nominator Jessica Sneddon, managing director, Sound Bite PR

At just 27, chef-patron Jun Au has created one of Edinburgh’s most talked-about dining destinations, with both the The Guardian and The Times naming it as a must-visit restaurant. What began in 2021 as an 18-cover spot serving Au’s beloved hand-ripped noodles has grown into a thriving 24-cover restaurant that blends Chinese tradition with Scottish produce.

Au’s path to Pomelo began in kitchens across Edinburgh and London, including a stint at former Michelin starred restaurant Castle Terrace in Edinburgh, before moving to London to work at Clodagh McKenna’s supper club in Highbury. In 2021, Au returned to Edinburgh to open Pomelo with a low-waste, nose-to-tail approach and a strong focus on local sourcing.

In the past year alone, he was named Best Asian Chef in Scotland and led Pomelo to win “Restaurant of the Year” at the Asian Catering Federation Awards. 

Pomelo’s success lies not only in Au’s dedication to culinary excellence but also his commitment to building a strong team. Au has ensured that Pomelo is a platform to nurture young Asian hospitality talent, offering in-house training in everything from butchery to noodle-making, wine pairing to mixology. Staff retention is high, thanks to his commitment to fostering a healthy work-life balance and offering flexible schedules to accommodate personal needs.

Beyond the kitchen, Au’s impact is felt through his activism and charitable work – from raising money for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity to hosting anti-racism events in support of the east and southeast Asian community.

Au’s nurturing, creative, and inclusive culture is at the heart of Pomelo’s continued growth and success.