Graduate Daniel celebrated in top 30 under 30 rising stars in British hospitality 

Daniel’s nomination read: “It’s testament to his self-discipline and determination that he has risen so high in such a short time.”

Daniel told The Caterer magazine: “We have an incredibly young team at Heft, with the majority of staff being still in high school and college.

“I allow them to use their initiative and make their own decisions, so they not only learn from their mistakes – if they make them – but also take leadership of a restaurant, a chance they would not ordinarily have at such a young age."

He described what was exciting about his future in hospitality.

"The next day, because it is a dynamic industry where we never repeat the day before and are always evolving and adapting,” he said.

“We are always meeting new people and getting ourselves out of new, trickier situations. I have worked in a few one-Michelin-starred restaurants, and they have all been different. At each, I have learned new techniques and styles of management and I am always seeking to improve myself."

“Creativity, ambition and energy”

It’s the second year in a row a University College Birmingham graduate has made the 30 Under 30 Acorn Awards, run by The Caterer to recognise the top up-and-coming talent across the sector, all of whom are nominated by their peers.

Presenting the 2024 awards, Allister Richards chief operating officer for awards sponsor company CH&Co, said: “The creativity, ambition and energy of all the winners is a magnificent reminder of how exciting and full of opportunity our industry is.

“While they’re all succeeding and flourishing as individuals on their own unique development pathway, they’re all empowered by a shared desire and determination to succeed and make a difference, and a sector that fully embraces diverse talent.

“Early on in their hospitality careers they have shown unbounded potential, remarkable ability and vision, and they’ve laid their claim as future hospitality leaders and influencers.”