Lime Wood waiter wins National Waiters' Day race

Alex Radmore from Lime Wood hotel in the New Forest has won this year's race in celebration of National Waiters' Day.

He beat some 200 other competitors who attended the annual celebration of front of house talent in London's Hyde Park on Thursday. They had to race along a stretch of the park carrying a glass and bottle of water on a tray - and complete the race with all props intact.

The first woman to cross the line was Branwen Summers from the newly opened Joe's Kitchen in London's Covent Garden. A group from Premier Inn Kings Cross won the team accolade, while the best dressed team came from Galvin Restaurants.

In total 300 waiters competed in the student race and professionals race, as hospitality came together to celebrate and promote front of house careers.
Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard, which organises the day, said: "Chefs get lots of profile and it's high time that front of house got the recognition it deserves."

Fred Sirieix, managing director of Galvin at Windows and the inspiration behind National Waiters' Day added: "Historically waiters haven't been seen as important as the chefs. But it is important that front of house is valued as a career of skill that offers progression.

"We need people for the growth of the industry. So we need to change attitudes, and promote and celebrate our careers."

All cash raised by National Waiters' Day will be used for legacy projects, including schemes where hospitality professionals go out to schools to teach youngsters about hospitality and the career potential in the industry.

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