As well as the opportunity to be mentored by senior industry leaders, candidates will benefit from a range of educational trips, stages, and opportunities.
These opportunities could include a bespoke four-day course at Lausanne’s renowned hospitality business school, study trips to vineyards in Europe, special work experience to Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and Hong Kong and a range of other courses for those reaching the quarter and semi-finals.
The Scholarship is open to young people working full-time in food and beverage service at hotels, restaurants, catering companies or other service organisations and venues, and entry is free.
Previously, candidates, winning finalists and our scholars have been from hugely diverse backgrounds, including a range of hotels and restaurants, event and food service companies, royal palaces, and private members clubs.
Each candidate has demonstrated a passion to improve their skillset, progress in their career, and connect with like-minded professionals.
Applicants will have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in aspects of food and beverage service including table preparation, service priorities, wine and drinks service, and salesmanship, with the judges taking account of professionalism, demeanour, social skills, and potential.
The quarter finals will take place on Saturday 21 October 2023 at the Langham and Monday 23 October 2023 at Hotel Cafe Royal.
Spread over two days, candidates will only be required to attend one of the sessions.
The semi-finals will then take place on 20 November at Rosewood London and the final will be held in January 2024 at the Corinthia London, with an awards ceremony in February at Claridge’s.
The Gold Service Scholarship is organised by a team of high-profile leaders from across the sector, all on a voluntary basis.
These include Alastair Storey OBE FIH, Silvano Giraldin, Lydia Forte, Sergio Rebecchi, Alessandro Fasoli, Knut Wylde FIH, Thomas Kochs, David Battersby OBE FIH, and Edward Griffiths FIH.
Griffiths, trustee and chairman of the judges, said: “My fellow judges and I are very excited to be launching this year’s competition, open to all young front-of-house professionals who are looking for ways to develop their skills and knowledge. As always, we look forward to engaging with and supporting the next generation of hospitality talent.”
2023 scholar Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop AIH said: “My year as the Gold Service Scholar has been incredible. The educational programmes have been truly unique and have enabled me to develop my skills to a level I never imagined could be possible.
“I’ve also been able to meet some amazing people. Whether it’s the Trustees, the sponsors of our study programmes, or the wide network of front-of-house professionals within Team Gold, they have all helped me develop so much.”
Interested candidates should apply online at:
Forthcoming dates
Call for entries: Monday 4 September 2023
Entry closing date: Tuesday 3 October 2023
Quarter finals: 21 October 2023 – The Langham and 23 October at Hotel Cafe Royal, London
Semi-final: 20 November 2023 – Rosewood London
Development seminar: January 2024 – The Corinthia London
Final: 15 January 2024 – The Corinthia London
Awards ceremony: 5 February 2024 – Claridge’s
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