Following an extremely tough semi-final testing a range of practical and management skills, four restaurant managers are through to the final of the 2012 UK Restaurant Manager of the Year competition.
They are:
Tobias Barfoot, restaurant manager, The Ambrette Restaurant, Margate
Clement Joseph, restaurant manager, RAC, London
Peter McAlister, Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast
Paul Taylor, general manager, TGI’s, Luton
The four will join last year’s runner-up Paul Shanahan, assistant food & beverage director at London’s Syon Park, Waldorf Astoria, at the final on 22 October at the Westbury, London W1.
The competition, organised by the Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS), the UK’s professional body for front-of-house, sets out to find the UK’s best restaurant manager by testing entrant’s front-of-house skills, ability to manage and inspire a team, and business acumen.
Eight restaurant managers qualified for the semi-final, held yesterday in London (see list below), following an initial paper questionnaire completed by all this year’s entrants.
The semi-final was judged by Stephen Motion, head of business development at sponsor Livebookings, alongside AFWS directors Paul Breach and Sophie Roberts-Brown. The tasks included a broad ranging 15-minute questionnaire, a written response to a customer’s letter of complaint, a presentation of ideas on social marketing, then a crisis scenario testing their ability to deal with a typical, but stressful situation and manage a team of staff through the problem.
“The semi-finalists had a tough, but enjoyable day and we are delighted that this year’s entries came from a broad spectrum of establishments, from contract caterers to high street chains,” commented Sophie Roberts-Brown, AFWS executive director.
“Tasks ranged from health and safety knowledge to the way to make a dacquiri. Responding to the letter of complaint demonstrated manager’s customer relations skills, while the social media task examined their knowledge and flair for marketing.”
The winner will receive a stage in a top New York establishment, where they will gain a unique insight into the running of various departments.
Last year’s UK Restaurant Manager of the Year was Michele Caggianese, restaurant and bar manager of the Rib Room at London’s Jumeirah Carlton Tower. As part of his prize he spent a week in New York at Danny Mayer’s Union Square Hospitality Group properties, staying in the top suite at the Manhattan boutique hotel The MAve, in the Flatiron District.
Former winner and chairman of the Guild of Restaurant Service, Peter Avis, restaurant manager at Babylon, Roof Gardens, London, will be heading the judging panel at this year’s final.
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UK Restaurant Manager of the Year 2012 semi-finalists
Tobias Barfoot, The Ambrette, Margate
Valentin Gadzhonoz, The Burlington Restaurant, North Yorkshire
Felicity Hall Royal, Garden Hotel, London
Lilly Hall, Porsche Experience Restaurant (Baxter Storey), Northants
Clement Joseph, Royal Automobile Club, London
Peter McAlister, Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast
Stephen Morriso, La Vallée Blanche, Glasgow
Paul Taylor, TGI’s, Luton
For further information or comment please contact Linda Pettit at Tilburstow Media Partners on 01342 832866, mobile 07973 789853 or Linda@tilburstowmedia.co.uk.
Alternatively call Sarah Peters at AFWS on 020 8661 4646 or email sarah@afws.co.uk.
Editor’s notes
About the Academy
The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) established in 1988, is the professional body for front-of-house service. It is dedicated to improving the status and awareness of food and beverage service as a viable career choice, raising standards across the industry, and by encouraging teamwork to foster good relations with other industry sectors. The Academy can offer advice and training to anyone following, or considering, a career as a sommelier, wine waiter, waiter, bar manager or restaurant manager.
