The Gold Service Scholarship 2024 winning finalists revealed

Aged between 22-28, the finalists represent some of the best known hospitality venues in the UK including The Ritz, Corinthia London and Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh (see full list below). The candidates, all of whom work in food and beverage roles, will go on to compete in the final at Corinthia London on 15 January.   

Following a record number of entries, the candidates were selected after a series of heats, including a quarter-final at the Hotel Café Royal or the Langham Hotel, and a semi-final held at Rosewood London.  

Throughout the various stages of the competition, candidates have been assessed on a number of key areas, including social skills, theoretical and practical knowledge.  

These have included wine knowledge, decanting and presenting; deciding service priorities; setting up a table; making and serving cocktails; and discussing special events with potential clients.  

The final in January will see the candidates compete in a real-life service environment, serving high-profile guests from across the sector at the Northall restaurant at Corinthia London.   

Launched in 2012, the competition aims to inspire up and coming front-of-house talent, through mentoring, study and placement opportunities.  

"This has been another incredible year for the Gold Service Scholarship," says chair of judges and The Gold Service Scholarship trustee Edward Griffiths. 

"Not only was it a record-breaking year in terms of number of applicants, but the standard has been exceptional, so getting our 40 semi-finalists down to eight was quite the task.   

“We would like to congratulate all those who made it to the final, as well as the other candidates who competed so brilliantly throughout the competition. We are all very much looking forward to what is going to be an incredible final.”  

The new scholar will be announced at the awards ceremony on 5 February 2024 at Claridge's.