Le Manoir's Karen Gruet named 2019 Gold Service Scholarship winner

By Stefan Chomka

- Last updated on GMT

Le Manoir's Karen Gruet named 2019 Gold Service Scholarship winner

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Karen Gruet from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire has been named the winner of the 2019 Gold Service Scholarship.

The assistant restaurant manager at the Michelin two-starred restaurant was crowned the winner last night (4 February) at a reception at Claridge’s Hotel in London attended by 250 influential members of the hospitality industry. She was among eight finalists in the competition.

It followed the final assessment lunch, which was held at London’s Corinthia Hotel in January.

Gruet started her career in the UK in 2013 at Le Manoir as a commis de rang before moving to Restaurant Sat Bains in 2014 as a chef de rang. She then returned to Le Manoir in late 2014 where she has progressed through the front-of-house ranks of the restaurant.

“Not only did we have a challenging time whittling down the initial 100 applicants at the early stages of the competition, but choosing the scholar from the group of eight winning finalists was a difficult task,” says chairman of the Judges Edward Griffiths.

“Each year, the quality of candidates improves in terms of ability, experience, enthusiasm and social skills.”

The Scholarship was launched in 2012 to encourage a lasting heritage of excellence in hospitality. The programme celebrates the craft of front of house service in food and beverage, and nurtures young talent through tailored mentoring.

Related topics Casual Dining

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