Candidates for the Acorn Awards – organised by The Caterer magazine - are nominated by industry peers, and the awards represent every sector in the hospitality industry. In addition to her hotel job, Rachael is Chair of the Sussex Branch of the Institute of Hospitality, and also sits on the institute's board.
On winning the Acorn Award, Rachael said: “I've followed The Caterer magazine for many years and would scroll through the list of Acorn Award winners thinking ‘I'd love my name to be up there one day'! I've been very fortunate to meet many inspiring past Acorn winners and I remember saying to my nominator, David Connell, that to be put forward was a humbling experience. I am aware how special and highly sought-after an award like this is.”
Speaking in about what the hotel sector has learned from the pandemic, Rachael said: “That we are not just an industry, but a family. We've supported one another, we've supported those at the frontline, like the NHS, and we've shown the world how kind we are. We've recognised that looking after our people is more important than ever. Our operations will change to accommodate this realisation, and that will help to realign hospitality as a career of choice."