Gold Service Scholarship 2023 finalists announced
Some of the best restaurants in the country are represented, including Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, The Ritz, Core by Clare Smyth and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
The announcement follows quarter-final and semi-final assessments by a team of celebrated industry Judges and former Gold Service Scholars.
The eight finalists will compete at Corinthia London on 16 January with the new Scholar to be announced at an awards reception at Claridge’s on 15 February.
The finalists are:
- Charlotte Bailey, fine dining head waiter, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
- Giulia D’Angelo, assistant manager, Trivet Restaurant
- Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop, footman, The Royal Household
- Ryan Kenyon, restaurant manager, Coast Saundersfoot
- Daniela Mayer, assistant restaurant manager, Strathearn Restaurant, Gleneagles Hotel
- Kevin Ricou, head waiter, The Ritz London
- Robin Tola, head waiter, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
- Lynn van Logtestijn, head waiter, Core by Clare Smyth
The new 2023 Scholar will benefit from numerous prizes, such as an invitation to Champagne Laurent- Perrier, and prestigious work placements in UK and overseas establishments, including Buckingham Palace and The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
The eight finalists will also be entitled to a range of development opportunities and support, including a specialised course at l’Ecole de Hotelière de Lausanne, and an educational wine trip in Europe.
“We have been hugely encouraged, not only by the number of entries this year, but by the ever- growing level of talent that we have seen at every stage of the competition. It emphasises for us that every candidate, be they a Quarter, Semi or Winning Finalist, has a great talent and potential to contribute towards a successful career in hospitality,” says chair of judges Edward Griffiths.
“Whilst it makes our judging process so difficult, it is enormously rewarding to know that we are deciding between those that are very good and those that can just show that little bit extra to excel in reaching the Final. Congratulations to all our contestants, and a special mark of merit to the Winning Finalists. Seeing this level of talent among all these young professionals only endorses our belief that we must continue to nurture these young leaders of the future.”
Launched in 2012, The Gold Service Scholarship exists to inspire, educate and nurture the UK’s finest young front-of-house talent. Led by a group of the industry’s most senior figures, the annual competition is open to individuals aged 22-28 who work full-time in front of house food and beverage service in the UK hospitality industry - and who wish to hone their craft and further their careers under the mentorship and guidance of the trustees, judges and ambassadors of the Gold Service Scholarship.
