Manon Marrum, restaurant manager of Barry Fish at the Shore in Leith, has been named as one of the UK’s 30 most influential hospitality professionals of the year.
Marrum was given the accolade by CODE Hospitality after its annual nationwide search for the next generation of industry stars. The 26-year-old is the only contender from Scotland to secure a place in this year’s list.
CODE, which seeks to ‘reward, inspire, connect, educate, and champion’ the best of the hospitality industry, assigns its ‘30 under 30’ accolades to young industry workers that it judges to be the UK’s most creative, progressive, and ambitious.
Appointed as the first restaurant manager of Barry Fish when it opened its doors in February 2025, Marrum oversees the day-to-day running of the 34-cover venue and leads a team of eight under the mentorship of the venue’s owner and head chef, Barry Bryson.
In under a year, the Scottish fish and seafood restaurant has made it into the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, as well as The Good Food Guide’s UK-wide list of ‘100 Best Local Restaurants’.
Marrum said: “Hospitality is an industry that demands everything from you — creativity, resilience, and a constant drive to evolve.
“To be recognised by CODE Hospitality as one of the 30 most influential young people in the sector is a significant milestone, which I could have never imagined when I started carrying plates.
“It’s a privilege to be named alongside a cohort of individuals who are genuinely pushing boundaries and redefining what leadership looks like in 2026,” she said.
“A huge thank you to the editors at CODE and those who nominated me. This recognition is as much about the people around me as it is about my own work.
“A massive thank you to my team and friends at Barry Fish —your energy and dedication are what keep me somewhat sane.
“And to Barry Bryson, thank you for the invaluable mentorship,” added Manon. “It has been instrumental in pushing my perspective of myself further than I could have imagined. This is a brilliant start to the year, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we all achieve next.”
Chef Bryson commented: “We’re so proud of Manon for this massive achievement. In just a year since opening Barry Fish, Manon has proven herself as an outstanding restaurant manager and a shining example of next generation talent.
“Her leadership, creativity and ambition have been key ingredients for creating and cultivating our exceptional guest experiences here at Barry Fish.”
