Gold Service Scholarship announces front of house competition for 2014

The second annual Gold Service Scholarship is preparing to accept entries for the 2014 competition, it was announced today.

Led by industry professionals including Willy Bauer OBE, Edward Griffiths, Silvano Giraldin, Fred Sirieix and Alastair Storey, the prestigious contest aims to find the next big thing in the industry and inspire young people to pursue a career in front-of-house.

The competition is open to anyone aged 22-30 working in restaurant service, from fine-dining to chain restaurants to contract catering. It involves a four-part test, including an online multiple-choice paper, a regional heat requiring basic tasks and a one-day masterclass.

Winners are richly rewarded, with last year's winner, Rebecca Dibben, having worked at Buckingham Palace; travelling to Champagne, France on a Laurent-Perrier vineyard tour; spending a stint being taught by Michel Roux Jr; as well as enjoying a two-week trip to Bangkok to work at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The winner, whose name will be announced on 10 February at an awards ceremony at Claridge's, can look forward to similar placements and tutorials around the world.
Alastair Storey, chairman of lead sponsor BaxterStorey, said: "The Gold Service Scholarship is truly unique and a fantastic opportunity to learn from the very best.

"We want to encourage young professionals from all areas of service to feel passionate and proud to work in hospitality and believe the Scholarship goes a long way in showcasing the possibilities a career in hospitality can provide them."

Entries will be accepted from 1-30 September this year and details of how to enter can be found on the Gold Service Scholarship website.
www.thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk

Rebecca Dibben of Gleneagles named inaugural winner of Gold Service Scholarship >>