The Réunion des Gastronomes, the oldest culinary oragnisation in the UK, was founded in 1899 with the objective to raise the standards of hotel keeping and catering.

Anyone working full-time, at team management level and above, in the food and beverages services is eligible to apply. Closing dates for applications is Friday 2 August 2019.

This is the third year of the competition and the Réunion is pleased with the increasing calibre of applicants. Last year’s winner Andras Lakezi, food and drink manager at the Kimpton Fitzroy London is already enjoying the initial fruits of success.

The finalists will attend the Gastronomes’ Supper on Monday 23 September. All finalists will receive a certificate, an invitation for two to the Annual Banquet in November and an invitation to become an Associate Member of the Réunion des Gastronomes.

The winner will receive invitations to five Gastronome events within a one-year period, a Complimentary Associate Membership for two years, mentoring by Gastronome members throughout the year and a trophy. 

The judging panel includes John Cousins, the chair of the judges, director of The Food & Beverage Training Company; Alison Frith, vice president of the Réunion des Gastronomes and managing director of Artizian Catering Services; hospitality consultant Theresa Maw; Serge Pradier, director of food & beverage at the Royal Air Force Club and immediate past president of the Réunion.