The Balmoral Hotel’s Scott Crowe named 2024 Gold Service Scholarship Scholar

Originally from Australia, Crowe has been at the Edinburgh venue for five years, initially starting as a chef de rang before working his way up to supervisor level.

Simona Federová, chef de rang, The Ritz London and Etienne Harding, assistant restaurant manager, The Goring Hotel in  London, were both highly commended by the judges at the high-profile front of house competition. 

The results were announced last night (5 February) at Claridge’s. The eight finalists (below) were tested through a series of tasks and interviews culminating in a final in January, where they had to prepare for and serve a three-course lunch – including canapés, Champagne and wines – to a table of four at the Corinthia London. 

As part of his prize, Crowe will be able to take advantage of a range of educational trips, work placements and development opportunities, tailored to his knowledge and skills, including a bespoke course at the world-famous EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland; working at a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle; placements at Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels in the UK and abroad including the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok; a Rocco Forte hotel in Italy and educational trips to Champagne and Porto. 

“I can’t believe it. You prepare yourself for every eventuality but I’m still a bit numb,” Crowe says. “I’ve worked very hard for this and I can’t wait to make the most of my time with the mentors, as well as enjoying some incredible learning opportunities.”

Chair of judges Edward Griffiths added: “This has been yet another incredible year. Not only did we see a record-breaking number of entrants but the fact that we have two highly-commended candidates just tells you how high the standards were.”