Are you a past achiever of the Annual Awards of Excellence (AAE) aged between 26 and 36?
If so, the Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship is your chance to shine!
About the Scholarship
The Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship, managed by The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) and funded by the Savoy Educational Trust, honours the legacy of renowned hotelier Ramon Pajares. This scholarship aims to recognise and support individuals who demonstrate excellence, a passion for people, and a desire for self-improvement that benefits others.
Prize Details
The winner of the Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship will receive a £5,000 cash award and be paired with a mentor from the panel of judges. With guidance from the Savoy Educational Trust (SET) and The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA), the recipient will develop a tailored professional development plan to identify and achieve their goals. The SET and RACA will require regular progress updates on the implementation of the development plan. Examples of eligible personal and professional development opportunities include finance and revenue management training, public speaking workshops, WSET qualifications, F&B masterclasses, and other skills enhancement sessions. The scholarship funds are intended exclusively for personal development activities and should be utilised outside of the scholar's regular working hours, unless their employer supports undertaking this training during work time.
Our esteemed panel of judges includes:
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Zoe Jenkins
General Manager, Coworth Park, Ascot
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Guillaume Marly
General Manager Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch
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Sandeep Bhalla
General Manager, The Connaught
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Howard Field
Chair, The Savoy Educational Trust
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Angela Maher
CEO, The Savoy Educational Trust
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Lisa Jenkins
CEO, The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
Ramon Pajares was a renowned hotelier who dedicated his career to elevating the standards of luxury hospitality. He spent 22 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where he successfully led the Park Lane property to become one of the most profitable in the UK.
In 1994, Pajares took on the role of Managing Director of the Savoy Group, overseeing the £90 million restoration of iconic London hotels such as the Savoy, Claridge's, and the Berkeley. His leadership at the Savoy rejuvenated the hotel, earning it the Cateys Hotel of the Year award.
Throughout his career, Pajares championed the development of young talent in the hospitality industry. He served as a trustee and chairman of the Savoy Educational Trust for 23 years, emphasizing the importance of supporting the next generation.
Highly respected by his peers, Pajares received numerous accolades, including Hotelier of the Year and an OBE. He was remembered as a gentleman, an inspirational leader, and a consummate hotelier who significantly impacted the luxury hospitality landscape.
Important Dates
Launch: January 2025
Entry Period: January to March 2025
Initial Shortlisting: April 2025
Final Judging: May 2025
Winner Announcement: June 2025
The winner of the Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship will be invited to attend The Royal Academy of Culinary Art’s Annual Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner on the 29th July 2025 and welcomed on stage with a citation on their achievement during the evening. They will be presented with their Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship trophy and certificate. They will be included as part of the Annual Awards of Excellence news story and promoted as part of the celebrations.
2025 Application Form
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to further your career and honour the legacy of Ramon Pajares.
*Entry Criteria: these awards may only be entered by previous achievers of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Annual Awards of Excellence (aged between 26-36 years of age).