The Gold Service Scholarship 2025 officially opened yesterday at Corinthia London where, in diplomatic alphabetical order, Jesse Burgess, Tom Kerridge, Fay Maschler, Tom Parker-Bowles, Eugenio Pirri, Clare Smyth, and Marc Socker addressed an audience on the value of service.
As you would expect from such a diverse group, the messaging was distinct, perspectives varied, all uniting in recognising the value of service.
Open to those aged 22-28 working full-time in the UK in front-of-house food and beverage service, competition entrants will be assessed on their front of house skills, from table setting and menu knowledge to practical food and beverage service skills.
They will benefit from the mentorship of top hospitality professionals, with trustees including Alastair Storey, founder and chair of WSH; former deputy master of the Royal Household Edward Griffiths; managing director of the Corinthia London Thomas Kochs; Lydia Forte, group director of food and beverage at Rocco Forte Hotels; legendary maitre d’s Silvano Giraldin and Sergio Rebecchi; managing director of WSH Restaurants Alessandro Fasoli; and former Berkeley hotel general manager Knut Wylde.
All who make it to the quarter and semi-finals will also receive professional development workshops and training. Winning finalists will benefit from educational trips to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland where they will undertake a bespoke four-day course, as well as a study trip with Graham’s Port to Porto and the Douro valley, and automatic membership to the competition’s Team Gold alumni network.
They will also benefit from the opportunity to stage at leading restaurants in the UK, including Core by Clare Smyth and The Ritz, and work a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
The Scholar will additionally receive a bespoke programme of learning opportunities, with the chance to stage at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Hong Kong, an overseas Rocco Forte Hotel, the three-Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in Bray, work at a state visit, and a trip to Champagne with Laurent Perrier.
The closing date for applications is 1 October 2024, with a series of quarter and semi-finals to follow. The final will take place at the Corinthia London in January 2025.
The 2025 Scholar will be announced in February at an awards reception at Claridge’s hotel in London.
Edward Griffiths, trustee and chairman of judges, said: “My fellow trustees and I are delighted to launch this year’s competition. Every year, we are blown away by the incredible talent we see coming through the ranks from across the industry.
“From the interest we’ve had this year, we know we are in for another fantastic competition, and are very excited to meet some of the most passionate and talented front-of-house professionals working in hospitality.
Details of how to enter the Gold Service Scholarship 2025 are available here.
