The Olive Barnett 2008 Award winner is…
Edward Viita
Deputy Bars Manager at The Langham, London
Eight fantastic finalists battled it out on Sunday 18th and Monday 19th to impress the judges and to demonstrate why they deserve to be awarded for the prestigious 2008 Olive Barnett Award. Edward, 25, was outstanding and clearly demonstrated that he has the potential to make it to the top in the industry.
The presentation, held in the opulent surroundings of Claridge’s Ballroom, was attended by over 200 senior industry people, who were there to see the rising stars of our industry receive the accolades they deserve. This year the entrants had been asked to comment on climate change, the environment, going green and being a good employer – points that are of major interest to businesses, and organisations without losing sight of the objectives of their company. They didn’t disappoint and the future of our industry looks impressive with these young people at the helm.
Said Anne Pierce, Springboard’s Chief Executive: “The finalists this year were of an extremely high calibre and the industry is fortunate to have such dedicated and professional people in their customer-facing roles. And it’s clear to see that they all have solid ‘green’ credentials.”
“Edward displayed the attributes of a rising star; enthusiasm, dedication, professionalism and ambition. Springboard will be following his career with interest and we wish him and all the finalists all the best for their respective future endeavours.”
Edward has worked at The Langham, London for the past 18 months. He entered the industry as a means of supporting his studies of music and philosophy and it was through such jobs that he saw the true potential of an excellent future within the industry. He is responsible for the day to day operation of the 5-star hotel’s new rum bar, Artesian, and with a staff of 13, has brought the bar to the attention of the media and the London elite. The cocktail menus he designed have received high acclaim in the British press, including presentation at VinExpo, Bordeaux, for the Drinks International Wine and Spirit Competition and on UKTV Food’s ‘Market Kitchen’ programme.
Duncan Palmer, Managing Director of The Langham, London said: “We’re delighted that Ed has won this award at the end of the first year of establishing the Artisan Bar at The Langham as a destination bar.”
“His attention to detail on the overall concept of our rum bar has been exceptional and he has successfully motivated his team of young bartenders to win awards in its first year of operation.”
“It’s a fitting reward for his work, but more importantly an award that will give him further skills to establish himself as a truly professional bar manager in the London market.”
Edward wins a career grant of £1000 a year for the next three years, plus a place on the prestigious weeklong Lausanne Executive Education - Summer Programme at the world-famous Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland.
Sarah Ingram, 26, Operations Manager at Holborn Bars, De Vere Venues, London, won second place and a career development grant of £750 a year for three years.
Simon Houston, 24, General Manager, BaxterStorey – BBC Scotland (Pacific Quay), was third placed and wins a career development grant of £500 a year for three years.
Tony Elliott, Savoy Gastronomes spokesperson commented: “After 33 years of being involved in the Olive Barnett award I’m standing down and leaving it in the excellent hands of Springboard and my fellow gastronomes. It has been a privilege to see so many wonderful young men and women enter this award over the years and go on to achieve great things in our industry.”
“It is possible that the standard of entrants improves year on year, it is certainly true of the 2008 entrants, who are of a standard I have not seen before. I wish them all the very best in their careers.”
What guests of the night said :
“Thanks for a tour de force ceremony for the Olive Barnett Awards tonight, it was a thoroughly enjoyable event! Springboard is to be congratulated for continuing to inspire young people to our industry through this and so many other initiatives.”
Michael Hirst OBE
The Olive Barnett Award
The most prestigious award for young people working in hospitality, leisure, travel or tourism