Acorn Awards 2026: Charlie Hester, the Clover Club

Position Owner, the Clover Club, Newquay

Age 29

Testimonial Lottie Jordan-Wall, assistant manager, the Clover Club

In the space of three years, Charlie Hester has established the Clover Club as one of Cornwall’s standout independent restaurants, building his business from the ground up.

Hester became hooked on hospitality after moving to Cornwall at the age of 19 to join the team at Watergate Bay hotel, where he moved through the ranks to ultimately become operations manager. 

But two years ago, he decided to strike out on his own and opened the Clover Club restaurant in Newquay in February 2024, when he was 26. It was a huge success, with turnover increasing by more than 60% between year one and year two, and forecast to reach six figures in its third year. 

Within the first 18 months the restaurant reached the number one spot on TripAdvisor, where it currently maintains a 4.9 rating. The menu offers small plates, which supports speed and consistency in service while keeping food costs low, and Hester prioritises sustainability and cost control, sourcing house spirits in larger-format containers to reduce packaging and cost. These efficiencies allow the business to offer premium pours as standard, delivering greater value for guests without compromising margins.

Hester leads a team of 30 and has built a positive, high-energy working environment, with core team members approaching two years with the business. He mentors colleagues to ensure hospitality is seen as a long-term career, while his open and honest leadership style encourages collaboration and continuous improvement.

When not running the restaurant, he runs college workshops to help young people see hospitality as a rewarding and professional career, as well as supporting local charities such as the Fishermen’s Mission, which provides vital assistance to fishing communities and their families.

Creative, community-driven and commercially focused, Hester is making a remarkable impact on the south-west hospitality scene.