The Gastronomes Award.
The Gastronomes Award demonstrates our commitment to the future of hospitality by recognising exceptional emerging talent. Finalists benefit from mentoring, professional connections, and unique career development opportunities, whilst the winner receives experiences that support long term success.
A mark of excellence.
The Gastronomes Award is the society's flagship initiative — a rare opportunity for learning and career advancement, backed personally by the members of the Réunion. It recognises those building a career in food and beverage service who show the potential, in time, for full membership of the society.
There is no age limit. The Award is open to anyone working full-time at team-management level or above, in food and beverage services, in the United Kingdom.
How the Award works.
Anyone working full-time at team-management level and above in F&B services in the UK. Applicants should evidence their education, training and career achievements — and a long-term commitment to the field. No age limit.
An invitation to attend a Réunion des Gastronomes event, a Finalist Certificate, and two years' complimentary Associate Membership of the Réunion.
In addition: the Gastronomes Award Trophy and Certificate, presented at the Annual Banquet, with an invitation for the winner and a work colleague; a year of mentoring from Gastronome members; two individual invitations to Gastronome events; an invitation to a Champagne Academy Tasting; and a range of tailored industry development experiences.
Our most recent winners.
Announced at the Réunion's 106th Annual Banquet at Lambeth Palace by the Chair of the Panel, Gastronome John Cousins, and presented with their Trophies by the President, Martin Dibben. Both winners hold Associate Membership of the Réunion for two years.
How to apply.
Entries for the 2027 Award will open at the end of June 2027. You will complete the application form, which also asks for a statement of support and endorsement from your employer or manager, and the name and contact details of one other industry professional who can support your application.
Download the form
Download the application form and save it to your device with your name in the title, then open it in a PDF reader to complete it.
Add your CV
Prepare your up-to-date Curriculum Vitae in PDF, evidencing your training, education and career achievements.
Endorsement & referee
Include your employer's statement of support, plus the name and contact details of one other industry professional.
Submit by email
Email your completed form and CV — both in PDF — to gastronomes@gastronomes.org no later than the closing date in early August 2027.
Key dates.
People who do not accept the new, grow old very quickly.