To Claridge’s in Mayfair, to raise a glass to CODE Hospitality’s 30 under 30, Class of 2026
Published 29 January 2026
On 26 January, the hospitality industry’s brightest young stars gathered at Claridge’s Restaurant for a celebratory lunch in honour of this year’s cohort. Attendees came from the length and breadth of the UK, including Caitlin Owens, MD of Fowlescombe Farm in Devon, Manon Marrum from Barry Fish in Edinburgh, and Winsome’s Tom Fastiggi and Maray’s Harry Jones, who both raced back to Manchester in time for the Manchester Food & Drink Festival Awards that evening. Read the full list here.
Claridge’s proved a most delightful setting, the Mayfair grande dame hotel working her charm on the attendees, most of whom had never set foot inside her doors before. Guests were seated across four large tables, joined by invited journalists and industry figures including Maybourne’s Global Head of Communications Paula Fitzherbert, journalist Ajesh Patalay of HTSI, Clerkenwell Boy, and Fallow’s James Robson.
The conversation flowed along with the Charles Heidsieck Champagne (with thanks to our friends at Liberty Wines for keeping us topped up). There was a strong sense of support and optimism around the tables, with new friendships being made and networks extended.
Fowlescombe’s Caitlin Owens (who dropped a few hints about exciting things to come at her Devon hotel and restaurant this coming season) said: “Being on the bottom of Dartmoor in a hidden valley quite a long way from anywhere, I don’t get to see other people in the industry that often. It’s been really fun to meet other young people who are doing interesting things in hospitality.”
For Ahsoka Wallace, a bartender and advocacy manager for Drinks United who focuses on neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion, the lunch offered something slightly different: a chance to connect beyond the bar world. “It was really lovely getting to meet some professionals in other fields, who also do really important work for the industry. I’m not usually a restaurant person so it was nice meeting a few chefs and restaurateurs from across the country who care about the community as well.” He shared news of a project in the works: a neurodiversity-focused film series with bartenders across the UK. “I’m hoping to get into the nitty-gritty behind the bars and get advice from bartenders that we can put out into the world.”
Recognition was another recurring theme. “It’s nice to be recognised in an industry where there’s no Oscars, no Baftas!” says freelancer food stylist, chef and baker Katie Smith. Look at for the return of her Irish pop-up Dulse in London this St. Patrick’s Day.
The lunch itself was, of course, a huge treat. New York’s Dante is in residence at Claridge’s Restaurant and the menu was ‘Dante’ through and through: simple, delicious, and indulgent. To start, shrimp cocktail, tuna sashimi crudo, prosciutto and plums, and a radicchio and apple winter salad. This was followed by Dante’s signature chicken alla diavola with green goddess dressing, accompanied by seeingly neverending French fries in silver cups – very Claridge’s! Dessert came in the form of Dante’s legendary tiramisu, served in typically generous portions.
Wines were supplied by Liberty Wines, including Charles Heidsieck Champagne en magnum. For the non-drinkers, excellent non-alcoholic beer by Brulo; for the rest, potent Dante’s Negronis made for the occasion with Fortnum’s Gin.
The celebrations continued after lunch at The Audley Public House in Mayfair, where Fallow’s James Robson generously kept the 30 Under 30 cohort supplied with pints of Guinness.
Watch this space for more news and stories from CODE’s 30 Under 30.
