Northamptonshire hospitality workers aged 16-25 to be celebrated in new awards

Eleanor Thorne Author 2026-05-23 05:36 2 min read

A smiling young bartender wearing a green apron stands in front of a well-stocked bar.

Contents

New category for young hospitality professionals
Eligibility and nomination criteria
Judging process and rewards
Deadlines for the 2026/27 awards

New category for young hospitality professionals

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27 has introduced a dedicated category to honour the county’s emerging talent. The Young Rising Star of Food & Drink award, sponsored by West Northamptonshire Council, seeks to highlight employees aged 16 to 25 who demonstrate exceptional commitment and fresh ideas within the local hospitality and food production sectors.

Eligibility and nomination criteria

The award is specifically designed for employed team members rather than business owners. Nominations are open to those living or working in Northamptonshire across various roles, including front-of-house staff, kitchen teams, apprentices, and undergraduates. Employers must submit the nominations, focusing on staff who show a strong “can do” attitude and a clear interest in building a long-term career in the industry.

Northamptonshire hospitality workers aged 16-25 to be celebrated in new awards

Judging process and rewards

The selection process combines employer supporting statements with recorded interviews. Finalists will meet an external judging panel before the winners are revealed at the Awards Dinner later this year. Every finalist receives a complimentary ticket to the ceremony at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton. Gold winners will also be granted access to professional mentoring to support their career progression.

Deadlines for the 2026/27 awards

Nominations for the Young Rising Star of Food & Drink category close on 30 June. However, entries for several established categories—such as Restaurant of the Year, Community Café of the Year, and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year—close earlier on 19 June. All winners will be announced during the celebration event held at the Royal & Derngate.

Source: West Northamptonshire Council