Galvin at Windows and Le Manoir win waiters' race

The UK's first National Waiters' race - just one of many events taking place all over the country today to mark National Waiters' Day- has been won by staff from Galvin at Windows and Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

Antonio Forte from Galvin at Windows was the first man over the finishing line and Natalia Chmielewski won the ladies' race.

Both winners accepted flowers, an apron and a specially designed trophy donated by Matt Johnson, managing director of key sponsor, Bunzl. They also won a dinner at a top venue.

Chmielewski, a commis de rang described by Le Manoir manager Paul Shanahan as "a rising star", was joined by fellow runners Everdie, Guillaume and Leo who together scooped the prize for Best Team.

Sporting a waistcoat and a black shirt, Joao Correa, who had to run back to his shift at London's The Brasserie, claimed the award for the Best Dressed Waiter/ Waitress.

More than 100 front of house staff - many dressed in themed outfits - joined the event, co-sponsored by Badoit, Baxter Storey and Zenith in London's Brunswick Square to mark the innaugual National Waiters Day.

The race was the brainchild of Fred Sirieix, general manager of Galvin at Windows and was organised by Springboard.

"Antonino is a great waiter and wine waiter. He is always smiling and so helpful. I am so proud of him for winning today," Sirieix told Caterer.

Springboard CEO Anne Pierce who also sported the regulation black and white uniform - and who like all participants provided her own tray - told Caterer: "For a first time it went really well. Seeing so many people was wonderful. I think we might have to extend it to three laps next year."