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The Institute of Hospitality’s prestigious Restaurant Manager of the Year (RMOY) 2025 competition, sponsored by The Hari London and the Hotel Café Royal has been launched, with applications closing at midnight (GMT) on 10 January 2025.
Open to Restaurant Managers from across the globe, entrants will compete at the world-renowned Hotel Café Royal, London on Friday 28 February 2025 where this year’s talent will be put through their paces by the judges throughout the day, culminating in the celebratory evening reception where the 16th Restaurant Manager of the Year winner will be announced, surrounded by friends, family and guests.
This year the winner will receive a tailored professional development programme designed around them, a year of tickets to attend the Institute’s top events, including Above & Beyond networking events and the Fellows’ Dinner, one year’s IoH Membership and so much more. All alongside the title of Restaurant Manager of the Year 2025 and the prestigious trophy.
Launching the competition, the Institute’s CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI explained: “Over the last 15 years we have uncovered some incredible talent who have risen to amazing heights. Entrants must fulfil the role of Restaurant Manager, even if they don’t hold the actual job title, and could be working in a small or large establishment anywhere in the world. This competition offers a unique opportunity for entrants to be recognised for their professional hospitality skills, drive, passion and attitude. I would encourage anyone, wherever they work in the world to apply. You could be our next winner, and this could be the start of an incredible new chapter in your professional career.”
Reflecting on her win last year, Jessica Thompson MIH, who was General Manager and co-owner of Mingary Castle, Scotland at the time of winning said: “On the day there was heaps of support and encouragement throughout the whole process from the organisers, competitors and judge’s which makes you feel at ease and made the overall experience very enjoyable. It is a busy and challenging day, which requires you to focus and think on your feet but ultimately, it’s about being yourself and showing others how you shine in your own hospitality environment.
Jessica also confirmed: “It also provides a great opportunity to connect and network with other hospitality professionals, make new friendships and connections that will provide new opportunities and possibilities for you to continue to thrive and grow both during and after the competition ends. If you are passionate about hospitality and in particular food and beverage, the Restaurant Manager competition is an opportunity you should not miss.”
Past winners have all risen to new heights and strengthened their careers. Christie Hayes MIH the 2023 winner is now Hotel Manager at Penmaenuchaf in Wales, Abigail Clark MIH, our 2022 winner is Director of Restaurants at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, in Saudi Arabia and Daniel Greenock, who won in 2020 is now Director of Food & Beverage at Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland.
Shortlisted finalists will be notified on Friday 10 January 2025 and invited to take part in a day of technical activities on Friday 28 February 2025 at the Hotel Café Royal, London in front of a panel of leading industry professionals.
This year the panel of judges include:
Alper Zan FIH – Co-Founder & Country Director – YY Circle UK
Stephane Davaine- Front of House Operations, RBC Brewin Dolphin
Jakob Gowin FIH – General Manager, Melia White House Hotel, London
Micaela Barlow FIH M.APS – Quality & Curriculum Director, HIT Training
Max Lawrence FIH MTMI – Finance & Administration Director, Hospitality Assured
Chris Maloney FCCA ACA CTA – Advisory Partner, Menzies LLP
Jessica Thompson MIH – General Manager and co-owner of Mingary Castle
Dawn Lawrence – Founder/CEO, HospitalityJobs UK
Ashley Shaw – General Manager at Manhattan Loft Gardens Ltd
Peter Avis FIH (Honorary Judge) – Business Development Manager F&D Venues & Community Relationships, London Hilton on Park Lane
Key dates:
Wednesday 20 November 2024 – Competition opens
Friday 10 January 2025 (00:00 GMT) – Entries close
Wednesday 15 January 2025 – Shortlist announced
Friday 28 February 2025 – Semi-final, final and winners’ reception
To enter, please follow this link and complete the application form.
To find out more about the rules, entry criteria, prizes and the competition, please follow this link.
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