Acorn Awards 2026: Barry Mays, London Wildlife Trust
The cafe operations manager is credited with revolutionising three café sites
Position café operations manager, London Wildlife Trust
Age 25
Testimonial Charlie Sims, director of visitor experience, London Wildlife Trust
Barry Mays is bringing some animal magic to the cafés at not-for-profit organisation the London Wildlife Trust.
After stepping into the role a year ago, Mays, who oversees three sites and manages a team of nearly 30 people, has turned around a previously struggling operation into a business with a revenue approaching seven figures.
For one initiative, Woodberry Lates, held every Friday evening in August at the Woodbury Wetlands centre near Hackney in London, Mays introduced a small plates and cocktail menu that trebled average event revenue and contributed around 10% of annual site income. Across the wider operation, his actions to improve scheduling has boosted daily takings, while implementing clearer career roles has reduced labour costs by more than £23,000 year-on-year.
Mays has beat revenue targets by almost £100,000 while cutting costs by more than £35,000. He has also reshaped team culture, reducing turnover to minimal levels and created clear progression routes, with four people promoted into full-time roles.
Outside work Mays runs a consultancy that helps independent hospitality businesses with concept development, drinks programmes and team training, offering practical support at an accessible level. He also contributes to university panels as an alumnus of the University of Derby, sharing insights with hospitality students.
Q&A with Barry Mays
What does winning an Acorn Award mean to you?
I first came across the Acorn Awards when I joined the Dorchester, where I had the privilege of working alongside a number of previous winners. Seeing the calibre of people recognised, I decided that one day, I would earn a seat at that table. To now be included among them is incredibly special and I feel immensely grateful to have been selected. This award is a reflection of all the support, challenges, mistakes and successes that have shaped me so far, and it has only motivated me to push even further.
Who has been your biggest industry champion?
I’m incredibly fortunate to have had so many people champion me throughout my career, including my mentor and dear friend Fabrizio Caputo, who has been in my corner since we first worked together in the events department at the Dorchester. He has supported me both inside and outside of work, and his time, enthusiasm and trust have played a huge role in shaping the professional I am today.
How do you get the best out of your team?
Getting a team to deliver great work is one thing, but getting the best out of them is about investing in their future and nurturing their talents and passions. It’s a give-and-take process that demands the best of you as a leader, approaching every day with curiosity, respect and accountability. Great leaders see potential in their team and create the conditions for it to come forward. That means building psychological safety, broadening people’s perspective beyond their immediate roles and tailoring your approach to what each individual needs to grow.
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