The prestigious Gold Service Scholarship — the award which seeks the very best front of house staff — has named its 2026 scholar of the year.
This year’s scholar has been named as Joel Pennington, the restaurant manager at the Michelin-starred Cottage in the Wood, a restaurant with rooms in the Lake District.
Pennington was awarded the honour at a ceremony held last night in Claridges.
Speaking of his win, Pennington said: “Words really can't describe how I feel, I'm truly lost for words. I'd like to thank everyone who has been part of my hospitality journey, and everyone who has supported me throughout this process, including Jack and Beth Bond and the rest of the team at The Cottage in the Wood in the Lakes.
“I could only dream of achieving this last year, especially as I only made it through to the early stages. I'm looking forward to the opportunities this will provide and, above all, to sharing my learning with my colleagues and encouraging the next generation to consider a career in front-of-house.”
Pennington came out on top as Scholar after competing against nine other winning finalists. The 10 competed in the scholarship final last month, held at Kerridge's Bar & Grill in the Corinthia for a number of senior industry figures, including those from The Standard. Pennington and the other finalists were tasked with serving a three course meal, with wine, for a full restaurant of VIP guests.
Pennington’s achievement means he will receive a programme of prizes and development opportunities designed to support a lasting career in hospitality. Perhaps most impressively of all, he will serve at a state banquet in Windsor Castle.
Alongside Pennington, highly commended awards were presented to Giacomo Arcadu, manager in training at The Lanesborough, and Caoimhe Houston, former head waiter at the temporarily closed Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison. Both were given the nod in recognition of their exceptional performance throughout the competition. Accordingly, one will uptake work experience at the Mandarin Oriental hotels in Bangkok and Hong Kong, as well as an overseas Rocco Forte hotel, while the other will head to work at Laurent-Perrier in Champagne.
Gold Service Scholarship chairman Alastair Storey, who is also CEO of Westbury Street Holdings, said: “It is extremely encouraging to see such a high calibre of young front-of-house professionals flourishing across all parts of our industry. Joel’s win is particularly significant, as it demonstrates that excellence in service is thriving not only in global luxury brands but also in independent, single-site restaurants
“The continued growth of Team Gold, now made up of more than 100 alumni, has created an extraordinary platform for professional development, both in the UK and internationally.”
For more information, visit thegoldservicescholarship.co.uk
