Derry restaurant manager named among top hospitality talent in Northern Ireland

Emma Hutton, Restaurant Manager at the prestigious Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry, has been officially named one of Northern Ireland's premier young hospitality talents at the 2026 Rising Star Awards.

The initiative, organised by The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), celebrated 14 outstanding young professionals making their mark on Northern Ireland's hotel industry at its 2026 Rising Star Awards.

Supported by Alkimii and Excel Recruitment, the initiative recognises emerging talent aged 30 and under who are already making a significant contribution to the sector, showcasing the ambition, dedication and skills of the next generation of hotel industry professionals.

This year's Rising Stars were recognised at the Leadership Lunch during Hospitality Exchange 2026, held at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Tuesday, October 13. The event featured Michelin-starred chef Spencer Metzger, whose career journey provided inspiration for those building their futures in hospitality.

Representing hotels across Northern Ireland, the 14 Rising Stars work across a diverse range of roles, from food and beverage, front office and culinary operations to sales, marketing, talent development and hotel management.

Former NIHF President Vicky Green said: “Congratulations to all 14 of this year's Rising Stars. These talented young professionals represent the very best of Northern Ireland's hotel industry, demonstrating the passion, commitment and ambition that will help shape its future.

“The diversity of roles represented highlights the breadth of career opportunities available within hospitality. From the kitchen and front of house to management, marketing and people development, our industry offers rewarding careers with real opportunities for progression.

“Recognising and nurturing emerging talent is vital to the long-term success of Northern Ireland's hotel sector. I would also like to thank the hotels that nominated these exceptional individuals and our sponsors, Alkimii and Excel Recruitment, for their continued support of this important initiative.”

Kate Moynihan, Director of Growth Europe at Alkimii, said: “Hospitality is an industry built on people, and the talent recognised through the Rising Star Awards demonstrates just how exciting its future can be. These young professionals are already making a meaningful difference within their hotels, bringing fresh thinking, energy and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

“At Alkimii, we're proud to support an initiative that celebrates emerging talent and encourages the next generation to see hospitality as a career full of opportunity.”

Damien Davis, Belfast Branch Manager at Excel Recruitment, said: “The Rising Star Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the talented young people who are helping drive Northern Ireland's hotel industry forward.

“At Excel Recruitment, we see first-hand the importance of attracting, developing and retaining talented individuals. Congratulations to all this year's Rising Stars, whose achievements demonstrate the exciting career opportunities available across the sector.”

Now in its third decade, Hospitality Exchange brings together leaders from across Northern Ireland's hotel, hospitality and tourism sectors to explore the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the industry.