RESTAURANT GORDON RAMSAY AWARDED UK’S BEST SOMMELIER
In the UK’s toughest sommelier competition, involving the greatest wine
talent in London and Britain, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay’s sommelier Jan
Konetzki reigns supreme.
In a tightly fought battle - that saw 12 of London and the UKs greatest
wine palates fight from heat to heat - Konetzki made it to the finals
against two other competitors from the innovative Restaurant Sat Bains
with Rooms in Nottingham and the award winning Medlar Restaurant in
London. He was awarded Moet UK Sommelier of the Year.
In front of an audience of invited guests and industry experts, the final
three sommeliers were set rigorous tasks designed to test their wine and
drink knowledge. Challenges were set to judge service skills, ability to
manage staff and deal with customers under pressure. The finalists were
asked to correct errors on wine lists, complete blind drinks tasting and
achieve the perfect Champagne pour - where a magnum of Champagne
was poured equally into 16 glasses, without returning to any of them.
“It’s very exciting and I’m delighted to have won,” commented Jan. “I
really enjoyed the competition today, there was a real feeling of
camaraderie amongst all the sommeliers. It was tough, but it was also
fun.”
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is the world famous chef’s three Michelin
starred establishment in London, where award-winning head chef Claire
Smyth has been at the helm since 2002.
Managing Director of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, Stuart Gillies commented,
“We are extremely proud of Jan. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay demands an
exacting and precise wine skill. This coupled with Jan’s love and
knowledge of wine is evident to us every day and it is great news that he
has now been recognised by the industry and his peers.”
The competition was held at London’s International Wine Fair on
Wednesday 23rd of May 2012 and organised by the Academy of Food and
Wine Service.
Gordon Ramsay Holdings UK restaurants comprise
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s
Petrus
The Savoy Grill
Maze
Maze Grill
Foxtrot Oscar
Plane Food
York & Albany
Bread Street Kitchen
The Narrow
Gordon Ramsay Holdings UK
In order to become part of this young Dynamic team of knowledgeable professionals
please contact alysonpark@gordonramsay.com
