James Tweedy of Restaurant Associates is the winner of the ACE Robyns 2025

ACE announced the winner of the 2025 ACE Robyns Award, which is sponsored by Troika and CH&Co, at its annual summer party held at JuJu’s Bar in Shoreditch on the 9^th of July 2025.

James who is Head of Operations for Restaurant Associates Venues at Glyndebourne Opera House in Sussex was declared the overall winner in front of over 200 hospitality guests.

James leads the full catering operation, including three restaurants, multiple bars, VIP dining, and their signature picnic experience. Each summer Festival, his team delivers premium three-course meals to 650 guests within a 90-minute interval - an exciting and rewarding challenge.

In second place was Alice Knight from Social Impact Coffee, and in third place was Amy Bowden from The Genuine Dining Co.

Tim Jones, Joint Founder of CH&Co with his late wife Robyn, was one of the judges and said:

“We have had another year of outstanding entries, and I would like to congratulate all of the entrants. It has been a joy to read about so much emerging talent in our sector with many entrants displaying the exacting standards for food and service that Robyn was renowned for. The judges had a very difficult time deciding on the short list, but we are sure that our winner is someone who Robyn would be proud to have associated with the awards.”

James will receive an overnight stay with dinner at the Stafford London.  He will also receive the Robyns Trophy and lifetime membership of ACE.  James will be invited to sit on the Board for the next year to ensure ACE considers the needs of the younger generation as it evolves. Runner up, Alice Knight will receive a voucher for a meal at the Stafford London.  Amy will receive a voucher for dinner at L’Escargot.

This year the winners will be mentored for twelve months by an ACE Board Member, in addition to their winners prizes. This is a commitment that our Robyns receive ongoing career support from ACE.

Laurent Lucas Dufour, Chair of ACE said: “Congrats to all nominees, an excellent year full of young talents, judging was not that easy. Delighted that three industry colleagues will have the mentorship opportunity this year, something new that the board is very keen on.  James, welcome to the ACE board.”

The judges were Tim Jones, Founder, CH&Co., Suzie Boyd, Director, Troika, Laurent Lucas-Dufour, Chair of ACE, Alice Barrett, ACE Robyns Winner 2024, Jules Heckman Hughes, ACE Board Member and Vic Laws, MBE, ACE Business Manager.

The ACE Robyns Award 2025 is sponsored by Troika, a recruitment company specialising in senior managerial, director and board level appointments across the hospitality industry delivering assignments for clients within contract catering, hotels, venues, branded restaurants, fine dining and emerging concepts.

Generous sponsorship for the event was also received from CH&Co., Bidfood and British Premium Meats.

To view the photos from the event, please use this link - https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCmJLY