A LIMERICK woman has received the title of 2025 Gold Service Scholar, which awards the very best in the services and hospitality industry.
Newcastle West native Isabella Condon, a junior assistant manager at Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner in London, received the accolade at a ceremony at Claridge’s Hotel in London.
Isabella hails from a family with firm roots in the industry as owners of the popular Marguerite’s Restaurant in Newcastle West and Killarney, County Kerry.
Reacting to the win, Isabella said: “I’m so happy and totally lost for words. It’s an absolute privilege to work in this sector and do what we do. The opportunities this profession can provide is incredible and we’re all so fortunate to be able to work with some incredible people, doing a job that we love.”
Isabella was selected as this year’s winner from a pool of 10 finalists who had to prepare for and serve a three-course lunch at the Corinthia in London for a table of VIP guests.
The Shannon College of Hotel Management graduate joined the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London Hotel more than two years ago as a manager in training before being appointed junior assistant manager at its two-Michelin-starred restaurant in 2024.
As part of the award, she will gain work experience at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Hong Kong and the three-Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in Bray.
She will also be looking forward to a trip to Porto, courtesy of Graham’s Port and the opportunity to work a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
