Acorn Awards 2024: Bradley Dorrington, 27, owner/director, the Wine Cellar

Age 27

Position Owner/director, the Wine Cellar, Bury St Edmunds

Nominator Genevieve Pott, sales and social media, the Wine Cellar

Bradley Dorrington opened his own wine bar in 2022 just after the pandemic. With a list of 100 wines alongside beers, spirits, cocktails, small plates and sharing boards, he welcomed more than 13,000 people through the door within 12 months. Within 18 months, it had won four awards regionally and nationally and he is now looking at opening a second property.

After Dorrington left college in 2015, he was accepted onto the Concord Hotel Management Scheme where for two years he gained experience across four hotels, from entry level to assistant manager.

After winning Trainee of the Year award at the end of the course, Dorrington started work as assistant manager at the Packhorse Inn in Newmarket. Two years later, he was spearheading the refurbishment and relaunch of a 15th century building near Cambridge as the fine dining restaurant and rooms MJP@The Shepherds. It was when it was recognised in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland that Dorrington decided it was time to launch his own business.

Dorrington works closely with colleges through A Passion to Inspire and regularly hosts students for masterclasses and wine knowledge development. He has also recently joined the Institute of Hospitality at AIH or associate level and will be inducted into the Disciples of Escoffier this year as a Purple Sash member.

What excites you most about your role?

"Seeing where we are going to expand and grow the business. More broadly, developing the offering and ensuring we are challenging ourselves every day to bring the best experience to our guests. What is exciting about hospitality as a whole is seeing the younger generation of professionals coming through colleges through A Passion to Inspire, and seeing their commitment, passion and dedication to the industry."