Acorn Awards 2025 open for entries

The search to reward and celebrate the best and brightest talent in the hospitality industry with this year’s Acorn Awards has begun.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Acorn Awards, which honours 30 of the most exciting people in hospitality under the age of 30.

Organised by The Caterer, and in partnership with CH&Co, the prestigious awards are now in their 39th year and will be held at the Dakota Hotel Manchester.

Over the course of four decades, many people who have won an award have gone on to become big names in the industry, including 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. 

There are only three criteria for nominees: they must work in the hospitality industry; be under the age of 30 on 2 June 2025; and be available for the winners’ weekend which will take place at Dakota Hotel Manchester on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 June 2025.  

After a day of networking, fun activities and an informal dinner on the first day, the two-day event culminates in a celebratory lunch where the Acorns’ nominators cheer them on as they collect their coveted trophy.  

And that’s exactly what previous winner Liam Hatcher experienced when he received his award in 2019. 

Hatcher, who is head of people and development at CH&Co said: "We’re so excited to sponsor the Acorn Awards again this year. Attracting and retaining great talent is key to the success of our business and the continued growth of our industry. The Acorn Awards lead the way in recognising those who bring fresh ideas, energy and verve to everything they do, and we’re proud to stand alongside The Caterer to celebrate the game-changers who are shaping the future of hospitality. It’s always inspiring to see the incredible achievements of the nominees, and we can’t wait to see this year’s entries.

“Winning an Acorn Award can have an incredible impact on a career, opening doors and creating networks and opportunities that help talented individuals go even further. I’ve been privileged to experience this firsthand, so I urge all industry leaders to take the time to show their rising stars that they’re valued by nominating them.”

Andrew Ovenstone, managing director of Dakota Hotels, added: “We are incredibly proud to be hosting the Acorn Awards in 2025: a celebration of the rising stars who represent the future of our industry. Over the years, several of our Dakota team members have had the privilege of being Acorn recipients – so it’s a real honour to now host this prestigious event.

“At Dakota, we are exceedingly passionate about encouraging new talent to join the hospitality industry, and the Acorn Awards perfectly embody that spirit. We look forward to welcoming the winners – providing them with a memorable experience as they celebrate this significant milestone in their careers.” 

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Acorn Awards.