National Waiters' Day to take place on 21 May
National Waiters' Day 2015 is to take place on Thursday 21 May.
Coordinated by industry charity Springboard, and inspired by Fred Sirieix, general manager at Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows and renowned expert on front of house training, the day will aim to celebrate all front of house and service staff within hospitality, and champion the range of careers the sector has to offer.
The annual event also seeks to disprove the theory that working in front of house only applies to unskilled, low-paid jobs that demand long hours, and show people that it can also apply to rewarding, sustainable roles with good routes to progression.
Businesses across the UK are set to host events designed to promote the day, including a "skills session", and a "Waiters' Race" at 4pm in London's Hyde Park, where participants will be tested on and celebrated for their elegance, competition and professionalism.
Last year's race event saw 400 service staff from across hotels, restaurants and foodservice convene to take part, with the winning waiter and waitress named as Alex Radmore from Lime Wood hotel, and Branwen Summers from Joe's South Kitchen, respectively.
Other Waiters' Races can be organised as part of the day; more information is available on the event website here.
Any proceeds raised from the day's initiatives will go towards Springboard's schools programme, which aims to encourage young people to consider a career in front of house.
Speaking about the day, Sirieix said: ‘'There has never been a more exciting time to join the hospitality industry; there are opportunities everywhere for those who want them. The idea behind National Waiters' Day is to bring a spotlight to the hospitality industry and showcase what a great range of exciting careers the industry has to offer."
Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard, said: "We are delighted to be part of this fantastic National Waiters' Day initiative to promote the waiting profession and hospitality industry as a great career choice."
National Waiters' Day's headline sponsor is Bunzl Catering Supplies.
National Waiters' Day 2014 to take place on 25 September >>
The Caterer and Hotekeeper Interview - Fred Sirieix >>
