A Lake District restaurant manager has been named among the best in the UK.
Joel Pennington, who is the manager at The Cottage in the Wood in Whinlatter, near Keswick, is one of 48 hospitality professionals from across the UK to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious Gold Service Scholarship.
The scholarship, now in its 13th year, is the country’s leading award celebrating excellence in front-of-house service.
Launched in 2012, the Gold Service Scholarship aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals in food and beverage service.
The semi-finalists will now advance to the next stage of the competition, taking part in practical assessments at the Chancery Rosewood, London, on 24 November, before the finalists are announced later this year.
Joel said: ‘’I’m delighted to make it through to the semi-finals!
“I’m looking forward to the next set of challenges and developing connections with other hospitality professionals. The preparation for the next round begins now, and I’m excited to grow my skills along the way.”
Open to individuals aged between 22 and 30 working in UK hospitality, the scholarship offers the overall scholar and winning finalists a year of mentoring, international experience, and placements in some of the world’s most prestigious establishments.
It is supported by a network of trustees, ambassadors, and sponsors who represent the pinnacle of the hospitality profession. Past winners have gone on to hold senior positions in leading restaurants, hotels, and private clubs across the UK and beyond.
Beth Bond, co-owner of the Michelin-starred The Cottage in the Wood, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled for Joel. He’s developed enormously since entering the 2025 awards and continues to go from strength to strength.
“We have everything crossed for him — he truly embodies everything we value: dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion to be the very best. Joel is not only a great ambassador for us but also for the Lake District’s hospitality industry as a whole.”
