Acorn Awards 2026: nominations open next week

Nominations for the 2026 Acorn Awards, which celebrate 30 of the most exciting hospitality professionals under the age of 30, open next week.

Organised by The Caterer in partnership with CH&Co, the awards mark its 40th year in 2026 – an extra-special milestone celebrating the brightest young talent shaping hospitality at an early stage in their careers.

For 40 years, the Acorn network has grown into an exclusive group of more than 1,100 award winners, representing some of the industry’s most inspirational leaders.

Many people who have won an award have gone on to become big names in the industry, including the winner of 2024 Restaurateur of the Year – Independent Catey Adam Handling, and 2016 Manager of the Year Catey winner Chantelle Nicholson of Apricity. Other former Acorns also include the likes of Nick Jones, founder of Soho House, and chefs Jason Atherton and Lisa Goodwin-Allen. 

James Stagg, editor at The Caterer, said: “The Acorn Awards are the ultimate celebration of young talent in the hospitality industry. Each year it is absolutely inspiring to learn of and recognise the talent and endeavour of this select group, who have achieved so much in such relatively short careers.”

He added that winners become part of "an exclusive group of some of the finest and most inspirational leaders in our industry”.

So, to be the first to receive news when nominations formally open next week, and to be in with a chance of becoming part of such an elite cohort, register for the 2026 Acorn Awards today.