The Scholarship, founded and supported by a number of leading entrepreneurs in hospitality, has been designed to discover, encourage and grow next generation skills across front-of-house roles with a particular focus on service and engagement with the end customer.
Last year Bell competed against candidates from leading fine dining establishments and reached the regional semi-finals, which she described as a ‘life-changing’ experience.
“Competing in the Gold Service Scholarship was an incredible experience. Rubbing shoulders with entrants from some of the country’s finest establishments such as the Ritz and Claridges and comparing our skills was like a dream come true, and since the experience, my confidence and career has gone from strength to strength,” she said.
Julie Barker, chair of the University Caterers Organisation (TUCO), added: “Competitions like the Gold Service Scholarship give our members the chance to shine, and to show that university catering is about far more than catering to student needs – something we do with aplomb – but we also excel in the fine dining sector.
“I look forward to seeing university caterers step forward to show us what they can do this year.”
The Scholarship is backed by Roux Restaurants director, Silvano Giraldin, chairman of OB Hotels, Will Bauer, general Manager of Galvin at Windows, Fred Sirieix, deputy master of the household at Buckingham Palace, Edward Griffiths and chief executive of Baxter Storey, Alastair Storey.
Storey said: “The Gold Service Scholarship is all about opening young peoples’ eyes to the world of hospitality. It was set up to help showcase the great work being done in the industry, the experience and skills it can provide and the fantastic career opportunities it has to offer.
“I’d encourage anyone in restaurant service to enter, from waiters and waitresses at high-street chains to front of house maître d’s in fine dining establishments, and see for themselves the endless possibilities available in this profession.”
The competition is made up of four parts; an initial online test comprising multiple-choice questions and simple photo analysis; regional heats November 22-27 where shortlisted competitors will be asked to perform basic service tasks and a question and answer session with the judges; a one-day master class for finalists and the National Final at The Connaught, Mayfair on February 3, where contestants will demonstrate their skills to the judges and invited guests at a special lunch.
The winner will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony on February 10 at Claridges.
Open to 22-30 years olds working in any aspect of restaurant service, from contract catering, licensed hospitality and clubs, to fine-dining environments - including universities - and restaurants, entrants simply nominate themselves by visiting www.thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk. The deadline is September 30.