‘A beacon of inspiration': Hospitality pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Tributes have been paid to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from all sectors of hospitality following her death at Balmoral yesterday.

Those who served the country's longest-reigning monarch, be it at state banquets, garden parties or in less formal settings, have shared their thoughts and memories with The Caterer.

The Queen was patron of the Gold Service Scholarship award for young front of house professionals, and presented the award in person at a ceremony at Claridge's in 2016 (pictured above).

Edward Griffiths, trustee of the Gold Service Scholarship and former deputy master of the Royal Household, said: "The news of the death of our Queen is a profound loss to the nation, and to so many people around the world. The magnitude of this devastating news is yet to impact on us all.

"She has been a pillar of strength for over 70 years and for most of us she has been a guiding light through times of joy and sorrow.

"For me personally, and indeed for so many others, she has been a beacon of inspiration and I feel deeply privileged to have known her and to have worked for her for many years. Her wisdom, her wit and her radiant smile will remain ever present.

"With her unwavering belief in striving for excellence, and with her appreciation of service, the Queen has blessed us in the Gold Service Scholarship with her gracious patronage over the past decade, and together with all the trustees of the scholarship, we will greatly mourn her loss.

"Her Majesty's sense of duty, her humility and her diplomatic and considered leadership will leave an indelible mark, and her legacy will continue to galvanise and encourage us in the future.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with the royal family at this time of such great sorrow."

Royal memories

Harry Murray received an MBE from Her Majesty in 2005 for services to the hospitality industry. He was managing director of the Cape Sun Intercontinental hotel in Cape Town in March 1995 when he was asked by president Nelson Mandela to organise a state banquet for the visiting Queen with six days' notice.

Murray said: "I called every member of my staff together in two groups and told them that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to serve two of the world's greatest leaders and that everyone would have a part to play. The room attendants put bows on every napkin, the kitchen team worked through the night doing canapés and petit fours, and the garden staff created a garden at the front entrance.

"At the end of the banquet I lined up all the chefs at the entrance door and the president shook the hand of every one with the Queen by his side.

"I had enormous admiration for the Queen who has been a great inspiration and is one of the reasons I continue to serve the industry long after retirement age."

Contract caterer CH&CO was granted a Royal Warrant in 2013. Chairman Tim Jones and chief executive Bill Toner paid tribute to the Queen as an "extraordinary global leader".

They said: "We have had the privilege to serve the Queen and the Royal Household as well as dignitaries, guests and visitors in her gardens and Royal Palaces. It is truly an honour to have had these opportunities and to have worked for her for so many years.

"Her Majesty would often take the time to meet with us, shake hands, give her radiant smile when thanking all the teams involved and even saying 'Happy Birthday' to anyone celebrating. They were extremely special times and treasured memories that we will always remember. We will all greatly mourn her passing."

The Goring hotel in Belgravia, the only hotel to hold a Royal Warrant and a favourite among the royal family for many decades, has said: "The directors and staff of the Goring express their great sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Our beloved monarch will be sorely missed by her family, the nation and the Commonwealth.

"We all offer our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies as we join with people around the world in mourning her loss."

The 'ultimate role model'

Clive Jacobs, chairman of The Caterer's parent company Jacobs Media Group, said: "I am so very saddened by the passing of our beloved Queen, it has been a privilege to live my entire life during her reign and be inspired and guided by her as the ultimate role model. May your memory be a blessing, you will be sorely missed."

Official bodies have also paid their respects following the Queen's death.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "Along with the nation and the world, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her reign and duty to the country has been extraordinary and on behalf of our members, we would like to pass on our condolences to the royal family. In the coming days and weeks, we will be working with our nation's pubs and brewers to pay our respects in communities across the country."

The Institute of Hospitality added: "The Institute of Hospitality is sorry to hear of the passing of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts are with her family, and the country, at this time."