Celebrating Twelve Years of Gold Service Scholarship: Daniele Quattromini

Established in 2012, the Gold Service Scholarship was launched to inspire and nurture the UK’s up and coming front-of-house talent. To honour 12 years of the scholarship we wish to celebrate by highlighting the unique voices and stories of those who have taken part in the scholarship over the years.

“My grandparents owned cafes, and my mum was an amazing cook, so I always had that interest in really good food.” Says Daniele Quattromini, 2015 Gold Service Scholar, and now the Director of Food and Beverage at Corinthia London.

Spurred on by his interest, Daniele’s first foray into the industry was as a dishwasher, and then working front of house at a family friend’s restaurant when he was 14. “The kitchen was an exciting place to me, and I loved the camaraderie between the chefs and the front of house manager.” Recalls Daniele. “I was thrown into the deep end, but I was constantly discovering as I went.”

Before going on to study at Bournemouth University, 18-year-old Daniele went on to work in a hotel named Hendon Hall, marking his first time working in a hotel across multiple areas. “This was such a great experience for me because so much of my core learning happened here, from wine and cocktails to afternoon tea.” He says.

Whilst in university, Daniele had the opportunity to work at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. “This was a vital point in my career where I experienced true luxury and gastronomy.” He describes, reflecting on the impact and everlasting impression Le Manoir left upon him. “Working in an environment striving towards the utmost perfection and dedication, I felt extremely proud of my trade.”

From there, Daniele went to work with CH&Co and it was during his time here that he first heard about the Gold Service Scholarship. “CH&Co really encouraged me to go for it, and so I decided to apply.”

“It was nerve-wracking going through the first stages of the scholarship, it being a totally new scenario, but still, I loved it.” Says Daniele. “Thinking back, I appreciate the way the scholarship gets you to try out different things.” He continues. “For instance, we didn’t do carving where I worked at the time, so it enables you to take on new skills.”

“I got to the finals in 2014, and while I was of course disappointed that I wasn’t the winner, I was determined that I was going to come back next year and that I was going to win.” Daniele describes. “And that’s what I did!” He says. “I applied again in 2015, grabbed it with both hands, and really gave it my all.”

Reflecting on his journey so far, Daniele feels the culmination of his previous positions and the experience of the Gold Service Scholarship has helped him to develop his own unique method to his work, prioritizing a close-knit team and a hands-on approach.

“Hands-on managers that stay close to the business will always be the best, and have the best restaurants and hotels, in my eyes.” He says. “It’s all about bonding with the team, motivating one another and staying close to the fundamentals of the operation.” Says Daniele. ?“For me now in my role at Corinthia London, my priority is getting out on to the floor, being with the guests, and most importantly, being with the team.”

Working at Corinthia London for 7 years, and as Director of Food and Beverage for 3.5 years now, Daniele is always striving to raise the bar, and to go above and beyond with his team. ?“Once someone has chosen to stay at our hotel, or celebrate a birthday with us, that’s not to be taken for granted, so it’s up to us to provide this wonderful service.” Says Daniele.

He prides himself on striving to use every opportunity to its fullest. “Throwing yourself into something and all of the preparation that comes with it is of course hard work, but it’s all about loving to give, and wanting to do things for other people. That is truly the heart and soul of hospitality.” He believes.

“The Gold Service Scholarship helped me get onto that route of high-end luxury service and set me onto the right trajectory, to be where I am now.” Daniele says. “And now when I think back to being in the scholarship and seeing all of the Trustees and industry legends, it’s almost surreal because they’re industry colleagues now. We all know each other, and they’ve helped me become more known within the industry.”

“I have made countless connections and learned so much from the people I’ve come into contact with because of the scholarship.” Notes Daniele, describing how it has established an ongoing network and community that can be tapped into.

“Being part of the alumni and seeing everyone taking part in the scholarship today, passionate and ready to learn is wonderful.” He goes on to say. “I mentor two or three people every year and it’s always rewarding when you can take someone under your wing. That’s what the Gold Service Scholarship is all about: Passing on the skills.”

For Daniele, maintaining his relationship with the scholarship means a lot to him. “The scholarship gave a lot to me at the beginning, to set me off on my journey.” He describes. And so, he is incredibly passionate about giving back. “To be a great industry, we need to mentor and guide, and to listen to the next generation.” Believes Daniele. “And so, it certainly is inspiring to think that I might be able to help the next generation, and see the industry continue to grow.”

The Gold Service Scholarship, along with its thriving Team Gold community is committed to the continued development of individuals with potential and seeks to ensure a bright future for hospitality. Follow on Instagram to find out more about the Gold Service Scholarship.

An interview by Katie Wilson, EP Business in Hospitality