Newcastle West’s Isabella wins prestigious UK hospitality award

A YOUNG hospitality professional, Isabella Condon from Newcastle West, has been named the 2025 Gold Service Scholar, one of the UK’s most prestigious accolades for excellence in front-of-house service.

Isabella, aged 25, has been working as a junior assistant manager at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London’s Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park since 2022.

She said she “couldn't believe it” when she was named the 2025 Gold Service Scholar at an awards ceremony at Claridge’s luxury hotel in London. “I was absolutely overcome with emotion as the journey has meant a lot to me and I don't say it often, but I was just really proud of myself.

“It was a memory that I'll really hold on to for forever, being able to have such a momentous moment in Claridge's, one of the most prestigious restaurant hotels in the world.”

READ MORE: Isabella Condon from Newcastle West to compete in prestigious hospitality competition in UK

For Isabella, the victory is the culmination of two years of dedication and preparation. “This was my second year to enter the Gold Service scholarship,” she said. “Last year when I entered, I didn't know an awful lot about the competition, but I met some very influential people in the industry both from London and from Ireland.”

Held at the Corinthia Hotel in London, the final involved a full restaurant lunch service for a panel of distinguished judges. Finalists were assessed on technical skill, wine knowledge, service precision, and guest interaction.

Isabella had to welcome the guests, describe the ingredients for the various dishes, set tables, serve guests tableside, decant wines and present petit fours - all while answering judges’ questions.

Looking to the future, Isabella would consider opening her own hospitality business. Her journey in hospitality began at Marguerite’s Bakery and Restaurant in Newcastle West, where she first worked alongside her family.