Semi-finalists chosen for UK Restaurant Manager of the Year 2019

The candidates have been selected based on their ability in areas such as staff development, menu planning, and customer service.

On 7 January they will compete in the semi-finals at The Savoy, London, where they’ll be interviewed by industry leaders and tested on their technical skills.

The top four finalists will go on to participate in a live restaurant management skills scenario in front of a VIP audience, after which the winner will be announced.

The Restaurant Manager of the Year will receive a trophy, ‘career advancing’ training, and the chance to be mentored throughout the year by leading industry figures.

The 2019 competition is run by The Academy of Food & Wine Service, the professional body for front of house careers, which is owned by the Institute of Hospitality.

The semi-finalists are:

1. Jennifer Santner, Angler Restaurant, South Place Hotel, London
2. Christopher Bakowski, Alyn Williams at The Westbury, London
3. Shashi Prakash, Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Windermere
4. Vincenzo Mancinelli, Hide Above, London
5. Tomas Kubart, Corinthia-Kerridges, Corinthia Hotel, London
6. Rebecca Galland, The Vineyard Hotel and Spa, Newbury
7. Jacopo Nardini, Indigo Restaurant, One Aldwych, London
8. Simon Warren, The Ivy, Birmingham
9. Cedric Touny, The Blue Posts, London
10. Pauline Henry, Brasserie Joël, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London