A 27-year-old Michelin star head chef has won a prestigious hospitality award.

Danny Young, head chef at Northcote in Langho, has scooped an Acorn Award, which is more commonly known as the '30 under 30' for people who work in the industry.

He started his career in 2010 when he was 16 as an apprentice and has worked his way up the ranks at the Michelin-starred eaterie, being promoted to head chef in April this year.

Danny said: “It’s amazing to be recognised by the awards after such a tough year for the industry and being amongst so many talented people felt really positive.

“You never set out to try to win awards, but it’s a great feeling to be given an Acorn award and become part of an elite group.

“I just want to keep on learning and developing as a chef.”

Five years into his career, Danny was made chef de partie, reaching the position of sous chef by 2016.

Senior sous followed in 2019 and he became heavily involved in menu development, menu costings, stock control, margin management and delivering consistent profitability.

In April 2021, after demonstrating impressive leadership throughout the pandemic, Danny was promoted to head chef.

He was also instrumental in the development of Northcote at Home which resulted in sales of £1m and stellar write-ups in the national press, including The Observer's Jay Rayner citing the excellent flavour combinations.

Since its inception in 1986, the Acorn Awards recognise the brightest prospects in the hospitality industry.