The SAVOY Factor!
On Monday 23rd May Assia Riccio, Guest Services Manager at Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons was announced as the winner of The Savoy Gastronomes’ Olive Barnett Award 2011.
Assia Riccio said: “It is a professional and personal achievement to win this Award. It has been very intense but the knowledge which I have gained from this experience is immense. This experience has really helped me mature as a person and network with great industry professionals. I am overwhelmed!”
The Savoy Gastronomes’ Olive Barnett Award is synonymous with excellence in hospitality and throughout the 35 years of the Award operating, it still reflects this philosophy. It was created in recognition of Olive Barnett, a pioneer of the highest standards in the hotel industry.
The award is organised by Springboard with principle sponsor The Savoy Hotel.
The awards ceremony was held at the beautiful setting of The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel. Over 250 VIP industry bodies attended the prestigious evening, which marked the end of an intense judging weekend for the eight finalists.
As winner of the award for 2011, Assia will receive a career development grant of £1,750 per year for two years, kindly donated by the Savoy Educational Trust. She will also spend one week on the Lausanne Executive Education Summer Programme, provided by the globally respected Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland.
First runner up of the award is Shankhanhil Roy, Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at The London Marriott Hotel, Regents Park. Shankhanhil will receive a development grant of £1,250 per year for two years, kindly donated by the Savoy Educational Trust.
Second runner up is Adam Beck, Assistant Restaurant Manager at The Grove Hotel. Adam will receive a development grant of £750 per year for two years, kindly donated by the Savoy Educational Trust.
Terry Foreman, a member of The Savoy Gastronomes’ and a fellow judge said:
‘All of the finalists for the Award were equally deserving, presenting themselves as passionate about their chosen profession.
Once again, congratulations to all the eight finalists of the night. We wish you all the success for the future.
