Gold Service Scholarship 2024 sees record number of quarter-finalists

The 2024 Gold Service Scholarship saw a record number of entrants progress to the quarter-finals, with more than 100 candidates qualifying this year.

The quarter-final heats took place this week at the Langham London in the West End and Hotel Café Royal in Mayfair.

Entrants had to undergo a personal interview, a written assessment and a table layout exercise.

Between 36 and 40 semi-finalists will be selected from the group to proceed to the next round of the competition, which is due to take place at the Rosewood London on 20 November.

The final will take place on 15 January 2024 at the Corinthia London in Whitehall before the 2024 scholar is revealed at a lavish awards ceremony on 5 February at Claridge’s in London’s Mayfair.

Edward Griffiths, chair of judges, said: “The calibre of entrants to the Gold Service Scholarship improves year-on-year, but it’s also wonderful to see an increasing awareness of the Scholarship, with more and more young people recognising the benefits it can bring their careers.

“Not only will this allow us to support more of the industry’s future talent, but it also means entrants get even more opportunity to develop their network and meet other like-minded professionals.

“The judges and I are very excited for the semi-final this year and look forward to seeing these up-and-coming industry stars showcase their skills.”

The Gold Service Scholarship was launched in 2012 with the aim of inspiring the UK’s up and coming front-of-house talent through mentoring, travel and placement opportunities, and creating the leaders of the future.

Each year’s scholar receives a range of prizes tailored to accelerate their professional development, including trips to Champagne and Porto, a development programme at EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, and the opportunity to work a state visit to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

The Board of Trustees include Alastair Storey, Edward Griffiths, Silvano Giraldin, Thomas Kochs, Sergio Rebecchi, Knut Wylde, Alessandro Fasoli, Lydia Forte and David Battersby.