Here's why a waiter from Blackpool is celebrating following prestigious ceremony held in London
The competition was judged by some of the hospitality industry's most respected names
A waiter from Blackpool has gained a top award at a ceremony held in London to celebrate England's Young Hospitality Champions.
Alex Coward, who works at the Hide restaurant in London, was crowned Young Waiter of the Year after two days of intense competition at The Peninsula venue in the capital.
He, along with England's Young Chef of the Year and Young Mixologist of the Year, was selected from just 12 finalists who had emerged from a field of more than 100 entrants nationwide.
Alex and the other winners will now go on to represent England at the World Finals, competing against the best young hospitality talent from around the globe.
The competition was judged by some of the hospitality industry's most respected names and showcased the extraordinary calibre of young talent emerging across restaurants, hotels and bars throughout the country.
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Established in 1979, World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist has long been recognised as one of hospitality's most prestigious talent development platforms, helping launch the careers of future industry leaders including Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing.
Today, the competition spans multiple countries and continues to champion the chefs, waiters and mixologists who will shape the future of global hospitality.
The waiter category was overseen by industry leaders including Simon King of the Fat Duck Group, Matthew Mawtus of HIDE, Matthew O'Connor of Dovetale, Elizebeth Forkuoh of Claridge's, Johanna Wimmer, Jonno Forbes and Alex Gilbert-Petz of Maison François.