Following a nationwide search to find a rising star in the hospitality industry, James Fleming (24), Chef de Rang at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saison, has been crowned the winner of the Gold Service Scholarship 2014.
Claridge’s hosted a glittering ceremony where James was recognised for his enthusiasm in providing the ultimate front of house restaurant experience. He will now receive a year of expert mentoring from industry greats such as Diego Masciaga at The Waterside Inn and Emmanuel Landre and Silvano Giraldin at Le Gavroche, and have the opportunity to work with the Royal Household at the State Banquet, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Europe and visit Champagne to enhance his skills in all aspects of front of house service and customer experience.
As an ambassador for the scholarship, James will be a leading example of a successful career in front of house hospitality and will encourage people to celebrate the importance of great service.
Ahead of yesterday’s ceremony, seven finalists battled it out at The Connaught, Mayfair in a final attempt to impress the elite judging panel. Edward Griffiths, Deputy Master of the Household at Buckingham Palace, and Alastair Storey, Chairman of lead sponsor BaxterStorey and the UK’s Most Powerful Person in Hospitality, were among the lunch guests who helped select James as the winner.
Impeccable, seamless service
James stood out for his expertise in welcoming and engaging with customers, preparing and ivering exceptional service, and the sommelier skills of food and wine pairing.
Willy Bauer OBE, Founder of the Gold Service Scholarship and Chairman of AB Hotels, commented: “I’m delighted that James was chosen as the Scholar for 2014. His passion and enthusiasm is exactly what this industry is all about and his ability to provide an impeccable, seamless service is second to none. This competition is all about giving young people the opportunity to learn among some of the best in the business to ensure that ultimately, front of house professionals continue to raise the bar in hospitality and the customer service experience.”
The next Gold Service Scholarship competition will be open for entries in September 2014.
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The finalists:
- Adam Hersey, 25, Assistant Restaurant and Bar Manager at Brocket Hall Golf Club in Hertfordshire
- Daniele Quattromini, 23, Trainee Hospitality Manager at Lusso Catering in London
- George Oates, 24, Footman at The Royal Household, Buckingham Palace
- Julien Gardin, 29, Junior Assistant Restaurant Manager at The Fat Duck in Berkshire
- Joana Maria Pons Gari, 28, Head Waitress at Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles in Perthshire
- James Fleming, 24, Chef de Rang at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford
- Devid Isabella, 30, Assistant Restaurant Manager at The Ritz Hotel in London
Supporters of The Gold Service Scholarship include:
- Willy Bauer, OBE – Chairman, AB Hotels
- Alastair Storey – Chairman, BaxterStorey
- John Davey – The John Davey Consultancy
- Silvano Giraldin – Director, Roux Restaurants
- Edward Griffiths, LVO, Deputy Master of the Household, Buckingham Palace
- Emmanuel Landré – GM, Le Gavroche
- Remy Lyse – COO, The Arts Club
- Michael Newton-Young – Owner, JMK Classic Catering
- Sergio Rebecchi – Director, Incognico / Quirinale
- Fred Sirieix – GM, Galvin at Windows, The Art of Service training board game