Meet the 2026 Acorn Award winners

Thirty of the hospitality industry’s rising stars under the age of 30 have been honoured at the 2026 Acorn Awards.

 

The event, which is run by The Caterer and sponsored by CH&Co, is now in its 40th year – an extra-special milestone. The awards celebrate the brightest young people shaping hospitality at an early stage in their careers and recognise some of the top up-and-coming talent across the sector.

 

The 30 winners were chosen by eight judges, including former Acorns Charlotte Horler, Zoe Jenkins, and Adam Howard, from a competitive field of more than 100 nominations. Each winner was nominated or supported by their peers, who highlighted their outstanding achievements and successes.

 

This year’s Acorns gathered on Sunday (7 June) for a fun-packed winners’ weekend at the beautiful 20,000-acre Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire.

 

After a warm welcome from The Caterer’s editor James Stagg, deputy editor Caroline Baldwin and CH&Co’s people director Liam Hatcher, the Acorns were treated to a buffet lunch with dishes such as Isle of Wight tomato salad with gremolata, smoked trout with cream cheese and horseradish, and grilled artichoke and hummus, while sitting in the sunny Terrace restaurant with views of the estate’s walled gardens.

 

Afterwards, the Acorns’ competitive spirit and their orienteering, team-building and problem-solving skills were put to good use as they navigated their way through the Swinton Estate to play a game of Cryptic Chase, before finishing the special day with a barbecue and drinks at the estate’s Deer House.

 

The 30 winners then heard from Ruth Hansom, who received her Acorn Award in 2022 while she was head chef of the Princess of Shoreditch in London. Reflecting on the accolade, she spoke about the esteem the awards are held in and the way they bring together talent from every corner of the industry.

 

She said: “Usually, within awards or competitions things are broken down into categories and segregation happens. The beauty of the Acorn Awards is that all sectors, departments and styles are celebrated under one umbrella.”

 

The next day, the two-day event culminated in a drinks reception in the hotel’s Georgian drawing room before the awards were presented during a special three-course lunch in the hotel’s opulent ballroom. Guests enjoyed a starter of Hill Top Farm pork terrine with pear and raisin chutney followed by a main course of Yorkshire rack of lamb, pomme Anna, Walled Garden tenderstem broccoli and redcurrant sauce. Dessert was white chocolate parfait with seasonal fruits from the estate

 

Wines were kindly provided by Matthew Clark, and included Riesling 2023, Chateau Ste Michelle, Columbia Valley, Washington State, US and Pinot Noir 2024, Les Cotilles, Vin de France Famille Roux, France.

 

The Acorns were presented with their awards by Hatcher, who received his award in 2019, and Baldwin.

 

Hatcher said: “Seven years ago, I was sat where you are as CH&Co’s senior people and development business partner for London. Today, I stand in front of you as its people director responsible for nearly 10,000 people. It’s been quite the ride and I truly believe that my Acorn Award was a catalyst in my career progression. It made people take notice and it gave me the confidence stand tall.”

 

He added that leadership isn’t just about skill and success; it’s about impact, empathy, inclusivity and humility, and said: “At any age and any stage of our career, we all have something to learn from those around us, so being open and having the ability to listen and flex is invaluable.”

 

Hatcher encouraged the Acorns to “grab this accolade and opportunity with both hands. It’s a cliché, but the world is your oyster. Enjoy it, embrace it, and go for it”.

 

Following the presentation, former Acorn Caroline Gregory, director at the Lovat Loch Ness, took to the stage to congratulate the winners and share her hospitality story. 

 

Looking back on her win in 2008, Gregory reflected on the importance of timing and pacing in both career progression and personal growth, questioning how people recognise when the right moment has arrived to take the next step. She encouraged the new Acorns to be selective about the opportunities they take on as their careers progress, warning that success can often bring competing demands on their time and attention.

 

“Your time is precious and, as your career grows, so does the number of people who want a piece of it,” she said. “Committees, working groups, speaking requests, worthy causes – all of it landing on your desk, all of it framed as opportunity. Some of it is, some of it isn’t. It is important to know when to say ‘yes’ and, more importantly, when to say ‘no’.”

 

She concluded by reflecting on the symbolism of the award itself: “The word ‘druid’ comes from the Celtic word for acorn. The ancient Druids believed acorns held prophetic qualities – that they contained the future. You are holding your future today. Given time, the right conditions and the right people around you, what you grow into will be extraordinary.”

 

If you would like to enter the 2027 Acorn Awards, you can register your interest