Hot Talent 2014: winners announced

23-year-old Clarke won the front-of-house award, while 19-year-old Britton achieved the back-of-house prize. The Hot Talent winners were announced during the Springboard charity’s fundraising dinner, the Next Big Event on Tuesday night (29 April) at ExCeL London.

Clarke and Britton were chosen from dozens of entries that came in from across the whole of the UK.

Prizes​

The judging of the competition was overseen by chef Ben Spalding, who has worked at Roganic, The Fat Duck and Le Manior, alongside hospitality consultant Esher Williams, who has worked with The Savoy and L'Ortolan.

As back-of-house champion, Britton has won a two week long work placement with Spalding at Creative Belly, his event catering company. Front-of-house winner Clarke will get to do a week’s placement at a high-end restaurant or hotel, arranged by Williams.

Both winners will undertake a two-day study tour of the headquarters at Villerroy and Boch in Luxembourg, which is the sponsor of Hot Talent.

Shining Examples​

Judges praised Clarke and Britton for their ‘team ethic, drive and willingness to constantly put themselves out of their comfort zones’.

Spalding said of Britton: “She’s humble, shows extreme initiative and has all the traits that you need to thrive in this business – I’m looking forward to helping her reach her potential”.

When asked about Clarke, Williams said: “She’s such an outstanding individual, she’s full of life and cares for her team, her guests and her business in equal measure – where she goes from here is up to her – the sky’s the limit.”

Managing Director at Fresh Montgomery, which organised Hotelympia, Toby Wand said: “Congratulations to both of our young charges – shining examples to us, their colleagues and peers. The very best of luck to them both as they embark upon their placements, I’m certain they will do us proud and look forward to watching them develop and grow.”