Chester fish frier makes history as youngest ever Acorn Awards winner

A young fish frier from Chester has made history by becoming the youngest ever recipient of a prestigious Acorn Award, a national accolade recognising the brightest rising stars under 30 in the UK hospitality industry.

James Ellams, aged 22, from Fish & Chips at Weston Grove in Upton, joins an elite group of past winners that includes the likes of Marco Pierre White, Jamie Oliver, Tommy Banks, Zoe Jenkins, Jason Atherton and the current Hotelier of the Year Gareth Banner. The awards, often referred to as the “30 under 30” of hospitality, were announced today at the Dakota Hotel in Manchester.

Commenting on his achievement, James said: “It’s huge. Not only am I the youngest person to win an Acorn Award in its 40-year history, but I’m the only one here from a small independent business and that’s fantastic on its own. There are people in this group who’ve been on Great British Menu, who run five-star hotels and well-known restaurants. To be sat among them is just incredible.”

James began working at Fish & Chips at Weston Grove part-time straight out of school, with no qualifications and no clear path. Under the mentorship of owner Josette Foster, he has risen through the ranks, completing both Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships and eventually helping to run the business. His role spans everything from frying and serving to menu development, costings, and visiting schools and colleges to encourage other youngsters into the industry.

Commenting on why he won, James explained: “The judges were impressed with my work ethic – from leaving school with no qualifications to now helping run one of the country’s most successful fish and chip shops. They appreciated the gluten free options, the menu innovation, and all the work I do to give back, especially visiting schools and colleges to inspire the next generation.”

His recognition follows a string of accolades: James won the Rising Star Award from Chester Hospitality in 2023 and reached the finals of the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year competition in both 2024 and 2025.

James hopes his award signals a shift in how fish and chips is viewed within the broader hospitality landscape. “It’s about time fish and chips was recognised on a greater scale,” he said. “To come from nothing to where I am now, leading in the industry for young people, it’s massive. I’ll take it.”

The Acorn Awards, established by The Caterer in 1986, receive hundreds of nominations every year which are carefully considered by a respected panel of judges to choose the 30 most deserving Acorns.