Organised by the Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS), the UK’s professional body for front-of-house, this competition delivers welcome attention to front-of-house, and sets out to find the UK’s best restaurant manager by testing entrant’s front-of-house skills, ability to manage and inspire a team, and business acumen.
Four restaurant managers are through to the final of the 2012 UK Restaurant Manager of the Year competition. Former winner and chairman of the Guild of Restaurant Service, Peter Avis, restaurant manager at Babylon, Roof Gardens, London, will be heading the judging panel at this year’s final.
The finalists are:
Tobias Barfoot, restaurant manager, The Ambrette Restaurant, Margate
Clement Joseph, restaurant manager, RAC, London
Peter McAlister, Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast
Paul Taylor, general manager, TGI’s, Luton
The four will join last year’s runner-up Paul Shanahan, assistant food & beverage director at London’s Syon Park, Waldorf Astoria, at the final on 22 October at the Westbury, London W1.
Semi-final judging
The semi-final was judged by Stephen Motion, head of business development at sponsor Livebookings, alongside AFWS directors Paul Breach and Sophie Roberts-Brown. The tasks included a broad ranging 15-minute questionnaire, a written response to a customer’s letter of complaint, a presentation of ideas on social marketing, then a crisis scenario testing their ability to deal with a typical, but stressful situation and manage a team of staff through the problem.
“The semi-finalists had a tough, but enjoyable day and we are delighted that this year’s entries came from a broad spectrum of establishments, from contract caterers to high street chains,” commented Sophie Roberts-Brown, AFWS executive director.
The winner’s prize
The winner will receive a stage in a top New York establishment, where they will gain a unique insight into the running of various departments.
Last year’s UK Restaurant Manager of the Year was Michele Caggianese, restaurant and bar manager of the Rib Room at London’s Jumeirah Carlton Tower. As part of his prize he spent a week in New York at Danny Mayer’s Union Square Hospitality Group properties, staying in the top suite at the Manhattan boutique hotel The MAve, in the Flatiron District.
About the Academy
The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) established in 1988, is the professional body for front-of-house service. It is dedicated to improving the status and awareness of food and beverage service as a viable career choice, raising standards across the industry, and by encouraging teamwork to foster good relations with other industry sectors. The Academy can offer advice and training to anyone following, or considering, a career as a sommelier, wine waiter, waiter, bar manager or restaurant manager.