May/June 2005 Raising the Standard of Service Supporters How the Academy has helped our careers Aramark Athenaeum, Grove & and is raising the ’s profile Runnymede Two of the Academy’s most enthusiastic individual supporters are Ronan Sayburn and Matthew Wilkin, who earlier this year both gained their Master Sommelier Diploma, adding B I I to a string of personal achievements which include winning the Champagne Ruinart UK Bragard Sommelier of the Year title (in 1998 and 2005 respectively) and the AFWS Dom Perignon Award for Excellence. The Capital or educational opportunities Working for Michelin starred in Australia. However, until I Chewton Glen Hotel establishments, both are also arrived here, I wasn’t aware just at the top of their profession how much camaraderie and pro- Court of Master MS within sommellerie, Ronan as active help there was in the UK, chef Sommelier with Gordon particularly through the Academy, Conde Nast Johansens Ramsay and Matt as group the Court of Master Sommeliers De Vere Hotels consultant Sommelier with the and WSET.” Capital Group. On behalf of Both believe that the Academy, Devonshire Arms, the Academy they are closely particularly through the Bolton Abbey involved with technical director, competitions it organises and the , in developing the opportunities it provides to meet Dorchester Hotel newly established AFWS Wine other like-minded professionals, Elite Hotels Committee. plays a crucial part in highlighting They readily agree that the the Sommelier’s professional Matt Wilkin welcomes the Four Seasons Hotel Academy has played a pivotal skills. Says Ronan: “In too many camaraderie and pro-active role in helping them further their businesses wines are neglected. help Academy contact brings Goring Hotels careers. As Ronan recalls: “About The national competitions show the Academy and the industry,” Hand Picked Hotels ten years ago, I was working in that having somebody there to they agree. a restaurant in Scarborough, select, serve and promote wines Under another proposal, also Group realised that I particularly alongside the food is profitable being considered by the AFWS enjoyed the wine side, so wrote for any establishment.” Wine Committee, college Hilton Hotels UK to Gerard for advice on becoming “Participating in competitions lecturers would be invited to HSBC a Sommelier. He put me in touch has definitely helped my career,” single out their best beverage with Henri Chapon, who was then adds Matt, who this year took the students with the objective of fast- Hunters & Frankau at Le Manoir Aux national title at tracking them into sommellerie. Quat’Saisons, the sixth attempt, The idea is to bring, say, ten InterContinental where I spent a d v a n c i n g lecturers and students to London two years before for a day’s introduction to the Lanesborough Hotel progressively joining a wine each year, from major restaurants and their Marriott Hotels merchants to regional finalist Sommeliers, a wine tasting and learn more about in 2000 to practical skills session. “One day Marston Hotels wine.” reaching the last which would give them an insight When Ronan four finals. “Of and an opportunity to decide Master Innholders MI joined Gordon course you have if they would like to become Millennium & Copthorne Hotels R a m s a y a s to put the work Sommeliers,” explains Ronan. Sommelier six in yourself but to Pointing out that “the UK Peel Hotels years ago, there win the Ruinart restaurant scene is one of the most was just the one competition and dynamic, diverse and talented in Quintessential Hotels restaurant. With Ronan Sayburn urges achieve the MS the world,” he added, “there ambitious young people Ritz Hotel London the opening of you need the are enough opportunities for Maze this May to take advantage of the support and ambitious people. The industry St Andrews Bay Golf Resort and there are now Academy’s expertise encouragement is crying out for Sommeliers Spa eight and he has been closely of others.” and by taking advantage of the involved in setting up wine Through their active involvement Academy’s expertise, young Savoy Educational Trust lists appropriate to each, while with the AFWS Wine Committee, people can develop skills and Shire Hotels remaining head Sommelier at the both are committed to putting knowledge which will advance Chelsea flagship. something back, by helping their careers”. Sodexho For Matt, who arrived here in the Academy raise the profile And, emphasising that there is 1999 with ten years’ experience of Sommellerie in the UK, always another target to aim Sheraton Hotels and Resorts in restaurants and wineries in encouraging young people for, Matt reveals that a future Stuart Alexander Insurances his native Australia behind him: to enter the profession and personal ambition is to attain “London is the mecca to gain identifying and nurturing home dual Anglo/Australian nationality Vineyard at Stockcross knowledge and experience grown talent. “Establishing a “so that I can qualify to compete about worldwide wines. There Sommelier qualification would be for Ruinart’s European Trophy”, Wentworth Club are simply not the same job a very important development for he said. Wine and Spirit Education Trust Catch up with the Academy's news on www.acfws.org Academy Awards 2005 New venue and new features For its Annual Awards 2005, taking place on Thursday 22 September, the Academy moves to a splendid new venue at the historic Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge. We have also added some AFWS Travel Awards 2005 new features and will welcome new sponsors, to our established In co-operation with our sponsors, the Academy’s awards and presentations, which acknowledge individual and Awards for 2005 include three Travel Scholarships, corporate achievements and contributions to the Academy’s work each offering one lucky recipient an invaluable ‘in the during the past year. field’ opportunity to further his or her knowledge and New elements for 2005 are: a travel scholarship to Germany; a understanding of a production region. This year they are competition to determine the winner of our cigar service travel Australia, Cuba and Germany. award; and the opportunity for a successful catering student to gain As announced elsewhere on this AFWS Australia Travel Award, work experience in a top restaurant. You can read more about these page, the winner of the AFWS sponsored by Wine of Australia, awards and the entry criteria elsewhere on this page. Havana Cigar Service Award, and the AFWS Germany Travel The Academy Awards 2005 are: sponsored by Hunters & Frankau, Award, sponsored by Wines  The Dom Perignon Award for Excellence will be decided through the of Germany, will be decided  Savoy Educational Trust Sommelier Scholarship, inaugural UK HabanoSommelier through written entries on a set in conjunction with Levin Wines Contest 2005. Winners of the theme, as follows:  Hunters & Frankau Cigar Service Travel Award  Wine of Australia Travel Award Australia Travel Award  Wines of Germany Travel Award Theme: What would you do to promote Australian wines as  Philip Thornton Award food wines in your establishment?  Aramark College of the Year Entries, for example, can take In addition to the travel  Johansens Company of the Year the form of a written essay; or scholarship, the prize also a visual approach, such as a includes a tutored tasting by proposed ‘by the glass’ list or a the Australian Wine Board suggested tent card/blackboard for all staff at the winner’s promotion. establishment. Germany Travel Award New Award recognises Theme: Entrants will be required to complete a short student achievement questionnaire about German wines and submit a 250 word This year, one successful & Guilds Food and Drink response to the following question: ‘Do you think German catering student can look Service Level 2 qualification, Riesling is a versatile food match and why?’ forward to gaining invaluable currently offered nationally The winner will travel, in April This fair will be the showcase practical experience through the at over 70 further education 2006, to Mainzer Weinborse, for the 2005 vintage, featuring new annual Philip establishments. Tutors the prestigious annual German wines from 150 exhibitors. The Thornton Award. The will be invited to wine fair organised by the VDP, prize also includes a short tour original proposal for nominate candidates which represents some of the around the wineries of a local an Award focusing for consideration. country’s prominent wineries. wine growing region. on youthful achievement came The prize includes a week’s food from the Thornton family. service work experience in a first Further details will be published in the next issue of Table Service The award will be made to class restaurant in the UK (with (July/August). If you would like more information about the AFWS the college student who gains travel and accommodation), Travel Awards and how to enter, do contact Sophie Brown on the highest marks in the City plus a cheque. tel: 020 8943 1011 or email: [email protected] AFWS joins with Hunters & Frankau to launch UK HabanoSommelier Contest The Academy has linked up with Put your Cuban cigar knowlege and service skills to the test! California Wine to launch the In a competition which mirrors Cuba’s annual World them prepare, entrants will first-ever tasting of this region’s HabanoSommelier Contest, the AFWS has joined with Hunters receive literature from H&F in wines specifically geared to & Frankau to launch the UK HabanoSommelier Contest 2005. advance of the competition. those working in, and buying The winner will also receive the company’s travel scholarship On the day, the morning for, hotels, restaurants and bars. to Havana at the AFWS Annual Awards 2005. phase of the competition will The California Wine Hotel and To qualify, entrants for the UK semi-final and final, which both comprise a written examination Restaurant Tasting takes place contest should meet at least take place on 5 September 2005 followed by a practical exercise. on Monday, 13 June 2005, from ONE of the following criteria: at Claridge’s, London. To help During lunch, Simon Chase 10.30am-4.30pm in the Ballroom will announce the three  at Claridge’s Hotel in London. Sell Hunters & Frankau finalists who will compete in Cuban cigars in their Designed to introduce the region’s the afternoon’s written and diversity - both in style and price establishment; practical exercises.  - the tasting will be laid out with Have reached the Finals of The winner will attend the the UK Wine Waiter of the busy Sommeliers in mind. Wines February 2006 Festival del will be presented entirely by Year competition; Habano in Havana and  varietals, rather than importer, and Be a past winner of the represent the UK at the World annual UK Quizmaster will reflect a wide price spectrum. HabanoSommelier Finals, won Whether you are looking to expand event; or this year for the first time by  Be a current or past member your range of wines by the glass, of the AFWS. the UK’s Björn Eriksson, from add a new house wine, or find Claridge’s’ Fumoir Bar. specific wines to recommend with Initial entries will be assessed Deadline for entries is 15 July signature dishes, this is the ideal by judges from the AFWS and - further details are available forum for you to discover and Hunters & Frankau, chaired through Sophie Brown at the explore California’s potential for by the latter’s Simon Chase. Candidates will be tested on their knowledge of AFWS on tel: 020 8943 1011; your wine list. From these, ten candidates will Cuban cigar sizes and flavours as well as fax: 020 8977 7802 Further details are available from be chosen to go forward to the service style email: [email protected] the AFWS on tel: 020 8943 1011

Table Service 2 Left: Claire Thevenot during the blind Action highlights tasting, when Riedel’s black glasses proved an extra challenge Below: Matthew Wilkin in a title-winning from this year's performance national finals As we reported in the last issue of Table Service, Matthew Wilkin, group Sommelier for the Capital Hotel group, triumphed in the Champagne Ruinart UK Sommelier of the Year finals, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane. He pipped runners-up Claire Thevenot (Hotel du Vin, ) and Nicolas Clerc (Summer Lodge Hotel, Evershot) to take the 2005 title in a closely fought competition in which all three Congratulating all three finalists, contestants scored over 200 out of 260 possible marks. Champagne Ruinart’s President, Bernard Peillon, looked forward As chairman of the judges, David liqueurs presented in black to strengthening and widening Molyneux-Berry MW, commented: glasses designed by Riedel, which the competition’s visibility technical director); Simon Chase “All three did incredibly well and gave no visual clues to colour or and so raising industry and (Hunters & Frankau); Richard today’s competition produced the appearance, so making the task general public awareness of the Edwards MI FHCIMA (AFWS highest level of quality I’ve seen in even more difficult! professional Sommelier’s skills. chairman); Susanna Forbes both Theory and Tasting.” After identifying factual errors Our pictures of the three finalists on a wine list, cigar product and in action reflect the challenge of service followed, as each finalist nerve and skill as, orchestrated presented and described the

AFWS chairman, Richard Edwards, Nicolas Clerc (wine contributor to Square handles a then thanked all those involved Meal); and Ronan Sayburn pressurised in the competition’s success, MS (head Sommelier, Gordon restaurant among them our judging panel: Ramsay Restaurants). scenario David Molyneux-Berry MW He also thanked sponsors: Abbey (chairman); Nick Adams MW Well; Allied Domecq; Hilton (Lay & Wheeler); Tim Atkin MW UK; Hunters & Frankau; Lay & (wine critic of The Observer); Wheeler; Quadrant Services; Gerard Basset MS MW (AFWS and Riedel UK. by master of ceremonies, Rodney contents of a humidor, before Briant-Evans, they performed recommending and lighting a practical and knowledge tests on cigar each for two ‘guests’. In stage in front of a live audience. keeping with tradition, all three All three finalists These included a pressurised came on stage together for the on stage for the restaurant scenario – meeting spectacular finale – filling 16 champagne ‘pour’ the differing requests of six glasses evenly from a magnum demanding ‘customers’ - and a of Ruinart champagne in one blind tasting of six spirits and continuous pour. An award winning performance in Havana as the UK's Björn Eriksson clinches World HabanoSommelier title Having found out about 2003’s The evenings, however, were Travel Scholarship to Cuba after strictly dedicated to having a good the deadline had passed, I made time attending the dinners and sure that I would not miss the cocktail parties which are part of chance last year! A few weeks the annual festival. later, I received a very welcome The trip culminated on the Friday phone call from the AFWS. with the final of the Habano When receiving the award, I Sommelier competition and a discovered that I would also gala dinner. Having reached the be representing the UK in the final of the competition through International Habano Sommelier a preliminary contest that took competition. Björn Eriksson (left) ‘on location’ in Cuba with Simon Chase place earlier in the week, I This meant that some quite experience of the production of programme taking in legendary must admit to feeling a bit of intense studying had to take cigars as well as visiting a place sites such as the famous El pressure! Luckily, I was armed place in the months leading up that everyone described to me as Laguito factory as well as the with some very useful advice to departure. The trip would take truly unique. Hoyo de Monterrey plantation. provided by Matthew Wilkin place during the annual Festival On 19 February 2005, we left Walking between the shoulder prior to leaving for Cuba. del Habano, a week-long event for Havana. After the flight, high tobacco in the fields and The final was very even but I dedicated to Havana cigars that the group gathered for well- then taking in the heady aroma managed to clinch the first spot, gathers enthusiasts from all deserved mojitos on the terrace of the fermenting tobacco in the closely followed by the Cuban corners of the world. of the Hotel Nacional. Soon sorting and stripping house was and French contestants. After During the following weeks, my we all stopped complaining a joy for all senses. attending the gala dinner that expectations and excitement about the effects of the flight During the week, we also evening we all ended up where about the trip grow more and when informed that London attended a master class on we started our visit, on the hotel’s more, as regular guests and had received its first snow of rolling cigars, an event marrying terrace overlooking the sea sharing colleagues found out about the the year. whisky and cigars attended by experiences from the past week. scholarship and started telling The week which followed the British ambassador to Cuba Now I am looking forward to me about there own adventures excelled all expectations. Our and had the opportunity to claiming the competition’s prize in Cuba. This would be a perfect host, Simon Chase of Hunters meet the cigar brands master - another visit to Havana next opportunity to get first hand & Frankau, had arranged a blenders and factory directors. February!

3 Table Service Skill Build Seminars The Academy’s current series of regional Skill Build seminars continues – dates and venues are: 13 June Newport Bordeaux; Rioja Wines; Hunters Celtic Manor Resort & Frankau; Edinburgh Wine 20 June Lake District Importers (fortified wines); and Lakeside Hotel, Newby Bridge, Abbey Well. Lake Windermere Take this opportunity to secure 27 June Edinburgh a free place for members of your Carlton Hotel front-of-house service team at 11 July Blackpool the local seminar of your choice. Hilton Blackpool To register please e-mail the Among our sponsors for these AFWS at: [email protected] last four before our summer Port and food tasting break are Canada’s Mission Hill (Marne & Champagne); Faustino Specialist tutorials continue to Birmingham at the Hyatt (Cellar Trends); Wines of be a highlight of the Academy’s Regency; Alsace, at the East India events programme. On 9 May, Club, London; and the wines of Focus on after dinner whiskies at Mentzendorff’s Alan Montague Italy’s Emilia-Romagna, taking Dennis hosted a port and place on 6 June in Edinburgh RAC Pall Mall seminar food matching seminar for at the Intercontinental George Our Skill Builds seminar held Highlands); Glen Elgin 12 year AFWS members at the Carlton Hotel. in April at the RAC Pall Mall old (Speyside); Talisker 10 year Tower Hotel in London. Five Advance notice: we are planning in London introduced a new old (Isle of Skye); and Caol Ila 12 ports - Bin 27; Tawny 10 year to hold another afternoon element to the ‘after dinner’ year old (Islay). old; Tawny 20 year old; LBV; tutorial at a Manchester venue session. Thanks to Diageo The day’s regional sessions and Guimaraens vintage – on 28 November, devoted to the Reserve Brands and Roger included presentations by were tasted and compared wines of Roussillon. Mallindine, delegates were Hallgarten and Canada’s alongside blue cheese, pecan introduced to the concept Mission Hill (courtesy pie, chocolate, fudge and foie NEW MEMBERS of whisky as a digestif, to be Marne & Champagne). gras. enjoyed after a meal with Our thanks to all the Other recent tutorials include: UPDATE coffee and perhaps a cigar. presenters and suppliers Cotes du Rhone, held in and, particularly to our ESTABLISHMENT MEMBERS They tasted a range of single Hilton Cobham Hotel, Surrey host, Simon Allen, for making malts including: Clynelish 14 year Sommeliers' Tasting Tooks Wine Bar & this unique venue available to old and Glen Ord 12 year old Restaurant, London (differing styles from the Northern the Academy. The AFWS Wine Committee arranged a very successful London St Buy your AFWS training programmes Sommeliers’ Tasting at the James Hilton on Park Lane, on Saturday Swinton Park Hotel, Masham on line at www.acfws.org 9 April. The eight suppliers Thornbury Castle Hotel, All seven of the Academy’s training programmes are now available who participated - FWW Wines; Thornbury for purchase on-line. It couldn’t be easier. Visit our website at www. Morris and Verdin; Raisin Social; Durley House, London acfws.org and just click on the Training Packs link for further details. Roberson; The Wine Treasury; Home House, London Our study packs cover four areas in front-of-house service – Food, Top Selection; Vineyard Cellars; City Hotel, London Wine, Bar, or Meetings and Events – and Customer Service at three and Whirley Wines – were each Reform Club, London levels – Frontline Staff, Supervisory or Management. Using these tools, invited to bring along ten Warren House Conference employers can deliver tailored on-the-job training or individuals can wines which would appeal to Centre, Kingston Upon progress at their own rate through self-study. top Sommeliers looking for Thames At £125+VAT each to AFWS Members and £200+VAT to non- something unique, interesting INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS members, these offer superb value to smaller businesses. or rare for their wine lists. Full Stanley Siu Tai Liu, Mansion College students get a taste of Bordeaux wines House, Walbrook Through its involvement with Bruno Murciano, Ritz Hotel, Left: presenter Patricia Green London the National College Network and Geoff Booth, Head of the the Academy recently organised Associate School of Hospitality with Adrian Sarin, Weetwood Hall, two tutorials which introduced Westminster Kingsway College students at Westminster students, Louise Melina, Nicole Leeds Kingsway College and Thames Austin and Calum Ogilvie Edson Jose De Oliveira, Roux Valley University to the concept Fine Dining of food and wine matching Below: concentration as the featuring Bordeaux wines. students are guided through food and wine matching Taking six of this versatile principles region’s dry white, red and dessert wines our presenter, wine educator Patricia Green, May/June 2005 first guided her young audience The Academy of Food and Wine Service at Westminster Kingsway College President Lord Thurso through the basic principles of Chairman wine tasting. The same wines Richard Edwards MI FHCIMA Chief Executive were then sampled against a James Brown MI FHCIMA variety of dishes, to demonstrate Secretariat and enquiries how certain flavours and Burgoine House, 8 Lower Teddington Road, textures complemented each Kingston, Surrey KT1 4ER other, whereas others clashed or How to Join the Academy Tel: 020 8943 1011 overpowered the wine. Judging Fax: 020 8977 7802 Membership is open to organisations and individuals. email: [email protected] by the students’ responses Annual fees are:- www.acfws.org and comments, Patricia’s Student: £15.00 Fellowship: £75.00 Editor Ann Satchell CamDipPR presentation was an enlightening Associate: £40.00 Establishment: (hotel or Tel: 020 8202 6770 introduction to what can seem a Full: £60.00 restaurant) £185.00 email [email protected] daunting subject. Contact James Brown on 020 8943 1011 for further details Origination Norman Simpson 4