Jessica Thompson named Institute of Hospitality’s Restaurant Manager of the Year

Jessica Thompson from Mingary Castle in Kilchoan, Scotland, has been named Restaurant Manager of the Year 2024 by the Institute of Hospitality (IoH).

 

The general manager and co-owner of the tree-AA-rosette Mingary Castle beat 21 other finalists to the title after a day of tight competition.

 

Thompson has worked in the industry for 12 years, having opened Mingary Castle restaurant with rooms in a 13th century castle in 2021 with business partner and chef patron Colin Nicholson.

 

They had previously worked together at Michel Roux Jr’s Seasgair restaurant in Inverlochy Castle in 2018.

 

Thompson said: “I am overwhelmed. I felt like a small fish in a large pond but it’s been an incredible experience. The finalists have all been incredible and the judges have been so supportive.

 

“This award, and the incredible prizes that go with it, will help me develop myself professionally and be a better leader. Winning the Restaurant Manager of the Year Award 2024 has made me fall in love with hospitality all over again.”

 

As well as the Restaurant Manager of the Year 2024 title and trophy, sponsored by the Hari, she also received 12 months’ IoH membership, access to the IoH professional development mentoring programme, and a day at HIT Training’s Chef’s Academy, among other prizes.

 

Meanwhile, Ingrid Maend, restaurant manager at the Stratford Hotel at the Olympic Park in London, came runner-up, having impressed the judges with her commitment to mentorship.

 

Maend said: “This is such a surprise. It was a challenging and fun competition with lots of tasks to complete throughout the day. Everyone has been so supportive. Hospitality is an industry where you never stop teaching or learning and this competition has helped me grow in so many ways today. I love my job and hospitality is my passion and my hobby. I just love making people happy. I can’t believe I am the runner-up.”

 

Speaking at a reception held at Hotel Café Royal on 26 April, Institute of Hospitality chief executive Robert Richardson said: “The standard of entries year-on-year continues to astound us and this year has been no exception. The energy, passion, talent, and dedication of all our finalists have been fantastic and truly represent the diverse hospitality profession.

 

“A huge congratulations to Jessica, our 14th winner, who adds her name to an impressive list of previous winners and to Ingrid our runner-up. And I’m also delighted to welcome all 22 of our talented finalists into the Institute’s membership and our hospitality family.”