Tom Kerridge and Clare Smyth among high-profile names to launch 2025 Gold Service Scholarship

Tom Kerridge, Clare Smyth and Fay Maschler are among the high-profile figures speaking at an event to kick-off this year’s Gold Service Scholarship (GSS).

 

Some of the leading names in the hospitality sector will come together to launch the UK’s only dedicated front-of-house competition for 22-28-year-olds at 2pm on 2 September at the Corinthia London.

 

As the GSS’s media partner, The Caterer has been offered 50 places at the event for employers or potential applicants.

 

Kerridge, whose venues include the UK’s only two-Michelin-starred pub the Hand and Flowers in Marlow, will be joined by Smyth, owner of three-Michelin-starred restaurant Core in London, to discuss front-of-house service, trends, their experience of service in their careers, what makes great service, and its importance to the hospitality industry.

 

Also speaking at the event will be Jesse Burgess, one half of the duo behind social media hit TopJaw, as well as Maybourne Hotel Group chief executive Marc Socker, Tatler’s restaurant critic Fay Maschler, and Dorchester Collection chief executive Eugenio Pirri.

 

The GSS is open to those aged 22-28 working full-time in the UK in front-of-house food and beverage service.

 

During the competition, entrants will be assessed on their front of house skills, from table setting and menu knowledge to practical food and beverage service skills.

 

They will receive mentoring from top hospitality professionals, with the scholarship’s trustees including Alastair Storey, founder and chair of WSH; managing director of the Corinthia London Thomas Kochs; and legendary maitre d’s Silvano Giraldin and Sergio Rebecchi.

 

Finalists will undertake a four-day course at the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland as well as a study trip to Porto and the Duoro Valley with Graham’s Port.

 

They will also be given the opportunity to stage at leading restaurants in the UK, including Core by Clare Smyth, the Ritz London, and work a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

 

The winning scholar’s prize will include a chance to stage at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, an overseas Rocco Forte Hotel, the three-Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in Bray, work during a state visit, and a trip to Champagne with Laurent Perrier.

 

All who make it to the quarter and semi-finals will also receive professional development workshops and training.

 

Last year’s winner was Scott Crowe, a supervisor at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

 

Crowe said: “I am so grateful for the GSS and the team behind it. The mentoring and professional network that surrounds you once you are part of the family is invaluable.

 

“Being named the scholar has changed my life in so many amazing ways. The educational trips and experiences are those of dreams, such as visiting the Douro valley, Champagne, EHL and stages in world class establishments.

 

“If you are eligible to apply, I’d urge you to do so. There really is nothing else like this anywhere else in the world. You get the chance to showcase your talents in front of the industry’s finest, learn new skills and grow your confidence in this industry we all love.”

 

The closing date for applications is 1 October 2024, with a series of quarter and semi-finals to follow.

 

The final will take place at the Corinthia London in January 2025.

 

To register your interest in the launch event email louise@thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk.