Blog. Back to the Floor, One Month Today!
February 20, 2026 | Author Giuliana Vittiglio
The countdown is on! In just one month’s time, on Friday 20 March, Back to the Floor 2026 returns in spectacular style.
More than 100 of hospitality’s most influential leaders will trade the boardroom for the restaurant floor, rolling up their sleeves to silver serve for one extraordinary evening.
Now in its seventh year the much-anticipated event will take place at London Hilton on Park Lane, where a stellar brigade will deliver a traditional silver service experience to a record-breaking 600 guests. Back to the Floor promises to be an unforgettable night for all the right reasons!
We recently caught up with Back to the Floor co-founder Danny Pecorelli and host James B. Clarke to get the inside scoop on this unmissable evening.
Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director, Exclusive Collection
How did the idea for Back to the Floor first come about? And how has it grown over the years?
It was started by Philip Newman-Hall (Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel), John Stauss (Four Seasons) and myself at a Hotelier of the Year lunch at Summer Lodge. We were talking about how many chef events there were and maybe we could celebrate the front of house teams and contribute to a different concept.
Out of that one chat Back to the Floor was born. The first event was at Pennyhill Park in 2013 with only 20 waiters and sommeliers and 160 paying guests. The event has grown to 600 guests and over 100 waiting staff. For me it’s the “Band Aid" of the hospitality industry. We always sell out and have a waitlist of the great and the good of our amazing industry waiting to give their time and effort.
This is the seventh Back to the Floor, what are your highlights from past events?
There are so many highlights; the energy at our first event after Covid when the whole room joined in a giant conga with the band, Jeremy Goring frisbeeing the desserts to his table, running out of wine because all the waiters had drunk it, a guest “tipping” a waiter £10,000 for spilling gravy on him. For me though it just has to be the unique energy of the event which unless you’ve attended or participated can’t be described.
What difference do you hope this year’s fundraising will make for the people who rely on Hospitality Action?
I’m privileged to be a Trustee of Hospitality Action. Hearing the incredible impact the grants committee has on people’s lives when they give even the smallest of financial grants, or the incredible EAP scheme that is so hospitality focused, or the work they do in unlocking benefits for people, it’s all so impactful. All this at a time when fundraising is difficult and many charities can’t open their grants portal. It’s more important now than ever that we help this amazing charity do what they do so well.
James B. Clarke, General Manager, London Hilton on Park Lane
How do you feel about hosting Back to the Floor?
It is truly a privilege and an honour to host Back to the Floor at London Hilton on Park Lane. This event is one of the most anticipated evenings in the hospitality calendar, and being part of it is incredibly rewarding. The energy, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that fill the room are unmatched.
Hosting gives us the opportunity to showcase the very best of our industry while supporting Hospitality Action, a charity that makes a real difference to people’s lives. For me, it is about creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved (guests, hoteliers, and sponsors alike) while celebrating the spirit of hospitality in its purest form.
Have you been surprised by how wholeheartedly the industry gets behind the event?
Every time, I am amazed by the level of support and enthusiasm from across the industry. From the incredible sponsors, whose generosity makes the event possible, to the hoteliers who give their time and energy to serve tables, it is a true testament to the strength of our community.
The commitment is extraordinary, and it shows how much people care about making a difference. This collaboration is what makes Back to the Floor so special: it is not just an event; it is a movement that brings together the best of hospitality for a common cause. Without our sponsors and volunteers, none of this would happen, so a huge thank you to everyone involved.
What do you hope attendees take away from the evening, both hoteliers and guests?
I hope everyone leaves with a sense of joy, connection, and pride in our industry. The evening is designed to be interactive and full of energy: music, laughter, and a little friendly competition as hoteliers show off their waiting skills! For guests, it is about experiencing hospitality in a unique and entertaining way, while knowing their support is helping Hospitality Action continue its vital work. For hoteliers, it is a reminder of why we love what we do: serving others with style and care. Ultimately, I want everyone to walk away feeling inspired and knowing they have contributed to something meaningful.
Heartfelt thanks to Danny and James for giving up their time to answer our questions and of course, to working so hard to ensure Back to the Floor 7 is our best yet. We’re grateful to all our waiters, sommeliers, sponsors and guests and we’re looking forward to celebrating with you in four weeks! If you’d like to learn more about the evening, please get in touch. #wevegotyou
