Ambassadors Interview: Michael Bonsor shares his passion for service
As one of the youngest MD’s of a luxury London hotel, Rosewood London’s Michael Bonsor has fast become one of the most highly regarded leaders in the industry. With a fresh and modern approach to service, his hotel has a string of accolades to its name and was also home to Michael Staub, our 2018 […]
Inaugural Team Gold Event: An Interview with Cav. Diego Masciaga
Diego Masciaga is synonymous with service. Having spent more than 40 years in the industry (30 at with at the three-star Waterside Inn in Bray), he has welcomed the good and the great with his inimitable Italian warmth. As one of the most vocal advocates of the profession, Diego was the first-ever speaker at the […]
The Diary of a Scholar: Michael Staub, Quarter 1
The aim of this report is to document the activities undertaken, learning outcomes and achievements accomplished during my year as Gold Service Scholar. This is the first in a series of four quarterly reports commissioned by the Trustees of the Gold Service Scholarship (GSS). The activities are listed in chronological order: Professional Wine Service by […]
Stephanie Beresforde, 2017 Scholar’s Speech
Stephanie Beresforde, our 2017 Scholar, was invited to return to the stage at the 2018 Awards Ceremony, held at Claridges in February, to tell guests about her experiences over the last year.
Stephanie Beresforde, 2017 Scholar’s Blog: Winner’s visit to Laurent Perrier
First of all, I have to say what a fantastic start to the year it has been since this year’s Gold Service Scholarship. Having never visited a vineyard before, since the results were announced at Claridge’s on that wintery February evening, I have been lucky enough to visit the Champagne region three times as part […]
Trustee Interview: Industry legend Silvano Giraldin talks Charlie Chaplin, the first five minutes and how he sees hospitality
Having spent almost 40 years at Le Gavroche, one of the UK’s most established restaurants, and winner of numerous awards, its safe to say that Silvano Giraldin is one of the industry’s most decorated front-of-house icons.During his time in the hospitality, Silvano has served stars and dignitaries from across the world, listing Charlie Chaplin, Charlton […]
Jennifer Santner, 2016 Scholar’s Speech
Jennifer was invited to return to the stage at the at the 2017 Awards Ceremony to share her experiences throughout her year as a Scholar.
Jennifer Santner, 2016 Scholar’s Blog: Waterside Inn Placement
Day 1I’ve been looking forward to this for such a long time. Meeting Diego Masciaga is something many people in our industry dream of doing, let alone work with him for a few days. This is really going to be special My partner and I (we were fortunate to be offered a night’s stay at […]
Jennifer Santner, 2016 Scholar’s Blog: Finalists’ Champagne Trip
Tuesday, day 1The day had finally arrived and we were all super excited! We met at 7am at St Pancras train station to travel to Reims. Seeing all the finalists again after a long and eventful year was a rather special moment for all of us. We have all grown very fond of each other […]
Trustee Interview: Thomas Kochs – Managing Director, Hotel Cafe Royal
He has been the youngest ever GM at Claridges, led the reopening of the prestigious Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, and even fronted a prime-time BBC documentary. What he doesn’t know about hotels and service probably isn’t worth knowing. We caught up with Thomas Kochs, now MD of Hotel Cafe Royal in Soho, to gauge his […]