Holly Eggleton to be keynote speaker at Acorn Awards

Holly Eggleton has been announced as the keynote speaker at this year’s Acorn Awards.

Holly (pictured right), who won an Acorn in 2016, founded the Pony & Trap pub and restaurant in the Somerset village of Chew Magna in 2006 with her brother Josh (pictured left).

After initially running front of house, Holly is now head of operations and oversees the group’s six hospitality ventures and 200 staff.

Speaking to The Caterer, Holly said: “It’s really lovely to be asked [to be keynote speaker]. It’s such a wonderful thing to win and to be part of. I had a fantastic weekend when that came through for me, so I happily join this year’s celebrations.”

Holly plans to share her insights with this year’s cohort of Acorn winners, including the importance of adaptability in a constantly changing industry, and learning from mistakes.

She said that she and her team “still make mistakes, and that’s okay”.

The Pony & Trap won a Michelin star in 2011 which it retained until its closure in January 2021 during the pandemic.

In summer last year, the sibling duo relaunched the Pony & Trap as the Pony Chew Valley after an extensive three-year refurbishment and, in the autumn, opened the Pelican pub in Chew Magna, North Somerset.

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