Chef John Williams and Rob Rose to speak at Gold Service Scholarship 2026 launch event

Chef John Williams and Rob Rose, restaurant director at Core by Clare Smyth, are among those due to speak at the launch of the Gold Service Scholarship 2026 next month.

The event will take place at the Corinthia London on 1 September and coincide with entries opening for the prestigious competition celebrating young front of house professionals.

Williams is executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Ritz London, having joined the Mayfair hotel in 2004. It became the first property to receive a Royal Warrant for banqueting and catering services and in 2008 Williams was awarded an MBE for his services to hospitality.

Rose oversees the three-Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth in London and is managing plans for two further sites. He also has more than 20 years’ experience operating three-Michelin-starred restaurants.

The speaker line-up also includes Tom Beahon, founder of sportswear brand Castore; Jules Perowne, founder and chief executive of global communications, sales and marketing consultancy Perowne International; and David Ellis, restaurant critic at the Standard.

The Gold Service Scholarship is also extending its age criteria from this year onwards to take applications from those aged 22 to 30 (previously 22 to 28) working full-time in the UK in front of house food and beverage service.

Entrants will be tested on their table setting, menu knowledge and practical food and beverage skills over the course of the competition.

The quarter finals will take place at the Langham, London on 25 October and Hotel Café Royal on 29 October, while the semi-finals will be held at the Chancery Rosewood on 24 November. The final is set for mid-January 2026 at the Corinthia London.

The winning finalists will benefit from educational trips to the EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland and receive automatic membership to the Team Gold alumni network.

Edward Griffiths, trustee and chairman of judges, said: “We’re delighted to have some incredible people join us to launch this year’s competition. The event will not only offer attendees the opportunity to learn more about the scholarship, but it will also enable the stars of the future to learn from some of the best in the business and beyond.”

The closing date for applications is Friday 3 October.

Isabella Condon, junior assistant manager at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, was named the 2025 Gold Service Scholar earlier this year.