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“Don’t worry about AI. It won’t give you food or give you a bed. The front-of-house profession is in a great place” – that was the message from Soho House founder Nick Jones MBE as he backed the value of front-of-house food and beverage professionals at the launch of the Gold Service Scholarship’s 2027 search for the UK’s next Scholar.
The launch, held this week (7 September) at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, brought together Jones, Difficult Name founder and former Soho House COO Martin Kuczmarski, Guardian restaurant critic and MasterChef co-host Grace Dent, and Sam Ward, managing director of Simon Rogan’s restaurant group, for a discussion on the skills, service and personality that define outstanding front-of-house food and beverage careers.
The audience was made up largely of general managers and restaurant managers from some of the UK and Ireland’s leading restaurants, alongside prospective applicants to this year’s competition.
Jones, who also recently launched the St. Clements Hotel, added: “People will never be replaced by AI, so our sector is safe. People want an experience when they go out and they want to see people. We should never compromise on anything like this for customers and guests. They will notice.”
Sam Ward, who progressed from front-of-house roles at The Ritz and L’Enclume to managing director of Simon Rogan’s restaurant group, and a former GSS semi-finalist said: “Service is what makes a restaurant and we all need to do what we can to develop our learning and skills. Primary, secondary and tertiary knowledge is what transcends every country. Primary is knowing the name of a product – an egg, for example. Secondary is where it comes from. Tertiary is what the chicken was called who laid the egg. You have to know what people want and how much detail they actually desire. I close the door at the end of the night knowing that I made somebody feel good. That makes me feel good.”
Grace Dent said: “You know if it’s a good restaurant even before you’ve taken a bite of food, because as you walk in, you’re deciding your next visit. That’s how good restaurants and service can make you feel.”
Martin Kuczmarski, who launched The Dover and Martino’s restaurants, said: “If you genuinely care about your guests and what you do, that comes through in the service you provide.
He added: “People are increasingly drawn to smaller, independent restaurants where there’s a real sense of personality and warmth. And when it comes to the food, they want dishes they recognise and love – people now like classic food, not clever food.”
Edward Griffiths, trustee and chair of judges, Gold Service Scholarship, said: “This was yet another incredible launch with some fascinating speakers, and it was wonderful to see so many talented potential applicants.
“Every year, it’s really important for us to help prepare our applicants by giving them access to some of the industry’s most respected and inspirational leaders.
“The Gold Service Scholarship is all about nurturing, celebrating and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Given the number of hugely talented people we saw at the launch, we know the future is in good hands.”
Founded in 2012, the Gold Service Scholarship supports the development of the next generation of UK front-of-house food and beverage professionals through mentoring, training, workshops, travel and placements with leading hospitality businesses. The competition is open to those aged 22-30 working full-time in front-of-house food and beverage service in the UK, with entrants assessed on table setting, menu knowledge and practical service skills.
Winning finalists take part in a bespoke five-day programme at EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland; travel to Porto to learn about port production; a trip to Villa Igiea, Rocco Forte Hotels; and receive stages at leading UK restaurants, as well as the opportunity to work at a garden party at Buckingham Palace. All winning finalists join Team Gold, the Scholarship’s alumni network.
The 2027 Scholar will also receive internships at Mandarin Oriental hotels in Bangkok and Hong Kong, a bespoke trip to Champagne with Laurent-Perrier, and the opportunity to work during a state visit at Windsor Castle.
Applications for the 2027 Gold Service Scholarship are open now and close on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
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