2022 WINNERS


  • Lucy Ager, operations manager, BaxterStorey
  • Charlie Banks, operations manager, Red Carnation Hotels
  • Thomas Bartlett, director of food and beverage , Hilton Birmingham Metropole
  • George Boarer, head chef, etch. by Steven Edwards
  • Yann Bouvignies, head of mixology, Rosewood London
  • Joel Breakwell, executive chef, Casa and Paco Tapas
  • Jennifer Burton, bar manager, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
  • Samantha Calandrelli, learning and development manager, Dishoom
  • Hannah Cochrane, business development manager, Dakota Hotels
  • Felix Craft, head chef and business owner, Stage
  • George Devonshire, group head of marketing, Harbour Hotels Group
  • Lily Gaspar, front of house manager, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
  • Marie-Charlotte Gauter, director of rooms, Hotel Cafe Royal
  • Elisia Guglielmucci, director of sales, The Waldorf Hilton London
  • Oliver Harris, operations manager, Whatley Manor Hotel
  • Felicity Hayes, deli manager, Rick Stein
  • Lizzie Hennig, nutritionist, BaxterStorey
  • George Hiley-Jones , deputy head of rooms division, The Lanesborough Hotel, Oetker Collection
  • Benjamin Jeffery, sales & marketing manager, CH&CO
  • Guillaume Larher, food and beverage projects manager, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
  • Hayleigh Mullen, restaurant manager, Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
  • Craig Neill, cluster finance business partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts
  • Carol O'Connell, front of house manager, The Ned
  • Katariina Reissaar AIH, front office manager, Leonardo Hotels UK
  • Eljesa Saciri, general manager, Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
  • Charlie Search, account manager, Fuel Experiences, BaxterStorey
  • Kelly Staunton, director of spa and leisure, Macdonald Hotels and Resorts
  • Jessica Thompson, general manager and co-owner of mingary castle, Mingary Castle – Restaurant with Rooms
  • James Toth, head chef, Cornerstone by Chef Tom Brown
  • Adam Willcocks, operations manager, Calcot and Spa

Winning an Acorn Award is a huge honour. After such a turbulent time for our industry, it was an amazing achievement to be named among 29 other talented people as a rising star and is the highlight of my career to date. My network has extended immensely, and I met some fantastic people during the winners’ weekend.

Beth Morgan-Jones People, New Ventures and Operations Chantelle Nicholson / Apricity

Speaking honestly, I never thought I would receive this unparalleled recognition, especially looking at the accomplishments of the 2021 winners and their predecessors, so I speak with authority when I say that with hard work, passion, and dedication all things are possible and that it gives me a huge sense of pride to know that many of you reading this today are our Acorn Winners of tomorrow. Being an acorn award winner has been a pinnacle moment in my career and has made me more determined than ever to keep driving forwards in this great industry of ours

Rachael Stevens Front of House Manager Pennyhill Park

Winning an Acorn award has been a huge honour for me. To be acknowledged by the industry that I have worked in for 13 years is incredibly humbling, and I look forward to using this platform to furthering my career and inspire others.

Freya Morton Reception Manager the Pig hotel

My biggest passion has always been to encourage people to join our amazing industry, whether a brand-new generation or people from other industries. Being nominated and winning an Acorn, has allowed me to have a national voice in promoting authentic mentorship attitudes and hopefully, supporting the Acorn winners of the future!

Jenni Clarke Head of Curriculum and Learning Technologies Umbrella Training

The Acorn Awards are iconic within the industry, and I was deeply honoured to be selected to join a community of such talented and inspirational champions of our fantastic industry. A milestone moment in my career, and an amazing opportunity to connect with a group of people who share my passion for the industry. It is an experience I will cherish, and I am hugely grateful to everyone who has supported me in getting here.

Chris Bancroft Operations Manager - Visitor Attraction the Newt in Somerset