Acorn Awards 2026: Zoë Wesson, the Waldorf Hilton, London

Position Food and beverage manager, the Waldorf Hilton, London 

Age 29

Nominator Georgina Bissenden-Hassall, executive assistant to general manager, the Waldorf Hilton, London

Driven by a ‘say yes, then find the solution’ mindset, Zoë Wesson is quickly making her mark across one of Hilton’s highest-profile F&B operations.

After progressing through a series of senior conference, events and F&B roles across Hilton properties, Wesson now leads an impressive seven-figure food and beverage operation at the Waldorf Hilton, London, overseeing three department heads (restaurant, bars, and conference and events) and a team of 65. Her impact was recognised in 2025 when she was named Hilton EMEA Food & Drink Leader of the Year. 

Since joining the hotel, she has launched multiple new concepts, combining operational delivery with strong commercial thinking and creativity. They include the Pink Flamingo terrace, which generated a five-figure summer revenue uplift, and collaborations such as the Pot Luck Club takeover and a theatre-themed afternoon tea concept in Covent Garden. Her Christmas afternoon tea partnership with Elf the Musical delivered 1,886 covers in December alone – the hotel’s most successful festive afternoon tea to date. 

Wesson has also focused heavily on team culture and development, restructuring departments to support progression and mentoring colleagues into senior roles. She currently supports multiple apprentices while championing inclusive recruitment through partnerships with Springboard and the Down’s Syndrome Association WorkFit programme, where she manages two team members working breakfast shifts.

Wesson also regularly supports recruitment drives, speaks at education events and works closely with specialist college and training hotel Aurora Foxes to help create opportunities for young people with learning disabilities entering the industry. 

Commercially driven and highly collaborative, Wesson is helping redefine modern hotel F&B leadership.