National Waiters’ Day is a national campaign, held in Hyde Park on the 16th of May, which highlights the dedication, skill and hard work of those within Food and Beverage service roles. Now in its sixth year, the event was founded by Fred Sirieix (General Manager at Galvin at Windows at the London Hilton on Park Lane, and host of First Dates), and is organised by the Springboard Charity.
The day will include a careers fair, with businesses from around London coming together to meet up to 500 enthusiastic jobseekers and students – with stand holders including IHG, CH&Co, the Ivy and more. These businesses will showcase their job vacancies and network with jobseekers – showing them just how rewarding a career in hospitality can be.
National Waiters’ Day will also feature a 100m dash across the park, led by Fred Sirieix, with companies from across the UK bringing staff to compete – all for the chance to win an exciting prize, and be crowned the National Waiters’ Day race champions.
Businesses from across the UK will also hold National Waiters’ Day events. From Cornwall to Edinburgh, businesses will host taster days, races and talks, which they are encouraged to share on social media. Make sure to connect with Springboard on the official Twitter – @WaitersDay_UK – and follow the hashtag #NationalWaitersDay, to keep up to date on the latest news.
Anne Pierce, Springboard CEO, said: “National Waiters’ Day celebrates the skill and professionalism of the people who enjoy successful careers in food and drinks service in all spheres of the hospitality industry – from your local baristas to waiting staff in fine-dining restaurants, from bartenders to Maître D’s and from mixologists to Sommeliers. The day showcases the expertise, dexterity, flair and sheer fun involved in the sector, raising the profile and value of these fulfilling careers. What’s more, the experience of working as a waiter or waitress – for however long or short – will stand you in good stead for life.”
Fred Sirieix, who founded the campaign, said, “In 2012 I launched National Waiters’ Day, I am very excited today to be here and celebrate the fantastic array of careers available in hospitality. I feel proud to lead such an important day, and hope it leads to a lasting appreciation of the UK’s hospitality workers.”
Neil Pattison, Sales Director of Caterer.com, a National Waiters’ Day sponsor, said, “Caterer.com back National Waiter’s Day because hospitality businesses are nothing without their skilled and dedicated food and drinks service staff. We want to help celebrate those employees, and showcase wonderful careers in the sector with some outstanding employers.
“This event is a fun-filled celebration of the people who bring a smile to customers every day through great service. Our Caterer.com team are looking forward to racing with them in Hyde Park.”