Welcome to the The Caterer's Acorn Awards

Winning an Acorn Award last year was a massive personal achievement and a highlight of my career so far. The winner’s weekend at Southampton Harbour Hotel was amazing, not only was it so much fun but it gave us all the chance to get to know the other winners and learn about their incredible careers so far. It is an award that will stay with me forever, and I look forward to spotting and helping other future acorn winners receive this prestigious industry award.

Being an Acorn Award winner is a profound honour, symbolizing not just personal achievement but a commitment to innovation and positive impact within our industry. It signifies recognition from peers and industry experts, validating the hard work and dedication invested. This accolade continues to serve as a reminder to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility within the esteemed community of winners.

Winning the Acorn Award was a fantastic accolade and such a prestigious honour. It felt amazing to be recognised amongst 30 talented managers in the hospitality industry under the age of 30. Winning the award made me feel even more connected and motivated to the industry, and passionate to give back my experience and skills.

My Acorn Award win came at such an important time in my career, and to be rewarded with such a prestigious and highly-regarded accolade has made all my hard work and dedication to hospitality worthwhile. Receiving my Acorn Award reminded me of why I do what I do, and the win inspired me to continue growing my career. On hearing the news that I'd won, I immediately felt both grateful for the opportunity, and proud of my achievements. However, it wasn't until the weekend away at Harbour Hotel with The Caterer that I really understood the true meaning of winning an Acorn. Coming together with other like-minded hospitality professionals and hearing their stories was truly inspiring, and made me so proud to work as part of such an extraordinary industry. It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity, for which I will be forever grateful.

Winning the Acorn Award was a huge privilege and one of the highest appreciations I could have ever imagined winning in hospitality industry. It was a huge compliment and truly made me feel appreciated and valued. The network that I gained with the Award has been wonderful and to be recognized and congratulated by people who I look up to, was just extraordinary. I learned a lot from the experience and will forever carry this achievement with me throughout my career.

I was absolutely delighted and incredibly proud when I found out I had won an Acorn Award! I was humbled to have been recognised in this way with such a prestigious industry award. It felt like a fitting way to celebrate my 10th year working in the hospitality industry and a great milestone in my career. It was also a pleasure to spend time with such an inspiring group who represent the talent and passion throughout hospitality.

I am thrilled to have won an Acorn Award from the Caterer. It encompasses everything that I am passionate about within the hospitality industry and seeing the names of previous winners it is a true honour to be a part of the list of Acorn Award Winners. Since taking a gamble and launching The Wine Cellar, Bury St Edmunds in 2022 it has been hard work and full of blood sweat and tears. Being awarded this prestigious recognition makes the long days and hard work worth it

Winning an Acorn is an incredible honour; it marks a significant milestone in my career. These awards hold iconic status within our industry, making this recognition even more special. Being acknowledged alongside other exceptional individuals is truly humbling. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Their encouragement and guidance have not only propelled me to this achievement but also inspire me to pay it forward, motivating future Acorn winners on their journeys.

There are so many different sectors and roles in hospitality from chefs to marketing, restaurants to catering so it is such a phenomenal honour that the work that I do is seen as valuable to this industry. I have always loved hospitality and I cannot imagine working in any other sector so it is nice to see that hospitality thinks that I am worth it too!

As a young hotelier coming from Spain, it is an immense privilege to be recognised with a prestigious accolade like an Acorn Award. A true highlight and milestone in my career. I am deeply grateful to my team and mentors for their continued support and inspiration, it wouldn’t have been possible without them. I will continue to encourage the new generation to find their passion in hospitality where the world is our oyster. I am most looking forward to joining such a talented network community in the industry.

Winning the Acorn Award is an absolute game-changer in my journey through the world of hospitality. The overwhelming support and encouragement from those who truly believe in me have made this achievement all the more special. The fact that a respected panel chose me for this prestigious accolade is beyond exhilarating. It's truly heart-warming to see how people can come together to uplift and drive each other towards success. This experience has opened my eyes to the little things that may seem unnoticed but are actually noticed and appreciated by those around me. It's a reminder that success is not just a solo journey, but a collective effort fuelled by passion and dedication.

Growing up, I was usually the one that would only receive participation trophies, without ever winning, so it feels surreal that I went from just participating to actually winning. It’s an honour to be recognised with an Acorn Award and I am incredibly grateful for all the people who always believed in my potential and inspire me to be the best and push past any limitations. Hospitality has my whole heart and I consider myself privileged to be part of this industry.

I am absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in the Acorn Awards 2024. This achievement is not only a validation of my passion and dedication to the industry but also a testament to the invaluable support of my exceptional mentors, who have selflessly invested countless hours in my growth. Being acknowledged among such a talented and ambitious group of individuals is incredibly humbling. This definitely marks a watershed in my career. Gratitude to all who've worked alongside me, past and present, your dedication helped fuel this success.

As well as being utterly overjoyed, it is a huge privilege and honour to win an Acorn Award, and to now be part of such a unique group of hospitality professionals. I am acutely aware how special and highly sought-after this award is, so feel very humbled. Winning an Acorn Award is the high point in my career and has provided me with the very best platform to move forward. I am truly looking forward to building my network through the Acorn Alumni and being able to explore and learn even more about the wonderful world of hospitality

It was an honour to be nominated in the first place, and knowing that so many current industry leaders have previously won Acorn Awards, makes me feel hugely grateful. I know it will propel my career for the better, and hopeful push me forward to my future roles.

Being recognised is an amazing feeling, let alone being chosen to be in the 30 under 30. There is so much talent and passion within our industry, this is an honour to be part of this group.

I feel honoured to receive this award, and it is amazing that me going above and beyond on a daily basis hasn't gone unnoticed. To win an award of this magnitude is something that I didn't think would be possible. I can't thank my organisation Gather & Gather enough for the trust and support they have put into me.

When I received the news that I had won an Acorn Award, I honestly struggled to believe that this was the case and that I had been recognised amongst my many wonderful colleagues for this prestigious accolade. To say I was overwhelmed with emotion is quite the understatement. Reflecting upon my career within hospitality and within Dakota itself, I never could have predicted the journey I would come on when I walked through the doors at 14 years old to initially complete my high school work placement. The last 15 years have been filled with far too many exciting experiences and career highs to recount in a few words, but I certainly would not be where I am today without the support of a small number of colleagues who I now have the pleasure to call friends, and who have been by my side throughout.