Nick Jones MBE, Martin Kuczmarski, Grace Dent and Sam Ward will headline the launch of the 2027 Gold Service Scholarship at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane on 7 September.
The event will mark the official launch of the latest Scholarship programme and begin its search for promising front-of-house food and beverage professionals from across the UK.
The four speakers will take part in discussions exploring hospitality service, leadership and the experiences that have shaped their careers.
Jones is the founder of Soho House and the recently launched St Clement hotel, while Kuczmarski, formerly Chief Operating Officer of Soho House, went on to establish hospitality group Difficult Name and restaurants including The Dover, Dover Street Counter and Martino’s.
They will be joined by The Guardian restaurant critic, broadcaster and author Grace Dent, who also co-hosts BBC’s MasterChef.
Sam Ward is Managing Director of Simon Rogan’s restaurant group, having progressed from front-of-house positions at The Ritz and L’Enclume to overseeing an international portfolio of restaurants.
The discussion will explore the qualities behind outstanding hospitality, covering the creation and operation of hospitality businesses alongside the service, personality and attention to detail that influence the guest experience.
Founded in 2012, the Gold Service Scholarship was established to support the development of the next generation of front-of-house professionals working in food and beverage.
Participants are offered opportunities including mentoring, training, workshops, travel and placements with hospitality businesses and industry professionals.
The competition is open to people aged between 22 and 30 who work full-time in food and beverage service in the UK.
Entrants are assessed across a range of front-of-house disciplines including table setting, menu knowledge and practical food and beverage service.
Candidates progressing through the competition also receive professional development opportunities and access to experienced hospitality leaders.
Winning Finalists become members of Team Gold, the Scholarship’s alumni network, providing continued access to learning, development and networking opportunities.
Alastair Storey, Chair of the Gold Service Scholarship, said: “We are incredibly delighted to have Nick, Martin, Grace and Sam joining us to launch this year’s Gold Service Scholarship.
“Between them, they represent very different sides of our industry, but they share an understanding of just how important exceptional service and brilliant people are to creating memorable hospitality.
“The Gold Service Scholarship is so special as it gives young professionals access to people and experiences that can genuinely shape their careers. This launch is a perfect example of that.
“We want ambitious front-of-house professionals across the UK to see the Scholarship and think: this is for me. Whether they ultimately become our Scholar or simply progress through the competition, our aim is that everyone who takes part learns, develops and becomes even more excited about what a career in hospitality can offer.”
Applications for the 2027 Gold Service Scholarship will open on 4 September.