Queen to honour UK's best young waiter or waitress

The winner of a national competition to find the nation's best waiter or waitress will receive their honour from the Queen.

Now in its fourth year, the Gold Service Scholarship is an annual competition for young, front of house professionals working in the hospitality industry.

It aims to raise the profile of hospitality and service skills in the UK, recognise the country's best talent, and to motivate aspiring young workers.

The Queen is patron of the Scholarship and will join leading hospitality figures at an exclusive London hotel for the presentation ceremony on Tuesday evening.

Last week, the eight finalists were tasked with planning, preparing and serving a three course lunch, including champagne and wines, to a table of four.

The winner will receive a prize package of mentoring opportunities, travel and placements from a group of the most senior service professionals in the country.

Past winners have received placements at prestigious establishments like Buckingham Palace, Le Gavroche, the Waterside Inn and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.