Charity race around Norwich to celebrate National Waiters’ Day

The winners in the Norwich Waiters' Day race, from left, Best in race, Dashiell Schalk, Assembly House; fastest waitress, Hannah Rice, Benedicts; fastest waiter, Mattia Stefani, the Library; and fastest student, Kyle Rudling, City College. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

This year, there were 10 people taking part, with each team being numbered from one to 10. The only team name was from City College Norwich, in which they named themselves the Four Musketeers.

Jayne Raffles, owner of The Library Restaurant, said: 'We are delighted to be involved with an event that raises awareness of the fantastic career hospitality can offer, highlighting the dedication of the front of house teams as well as making a positive impact on employment in our region and nationally.

'All you need to take part is a tray and lots of enthusiasm! Participants will be provided with plastic wine glasses and a plastic bottle of water, and each waiter will start with a glass of water and 100 points! After the race, points will be deducted for any spillage.

'We would love to see as many front of house staff from businesses across Norwich taking part.

The fastest waiter in the Norwich Waiters' Day race, Mattia Stefani from the Library restaurant. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The hospitality industry currently employs 2.9 million people in the UK. National Waiters' Day is designed to celebrate all front of house staff from fine dining restaurant waiters to mixologists, bartenders and baristas and aims to showcase the dedication, skills and hard work of front of house staff, as well as the great potential fore rewarding careers in the industry.

The goal is to change perceptions around front of house roles and highlight the rewarding career progression that hospitality offers.

Hannah Rice, for Benedicts, and the winner of the Fastest Waitress category, said: 'I'm ecstatic that I beat Adam from last year! I'm also excited to get £20 off of him for winning.'

Dashiell Schalk, for the Assembly House, and the Best in Race winner said: 'It was a great team effort. I couldn't have done it without the moral support.'

One of the runners in the Norwich Waiters' Day race. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Mattia Stefani, for The Library Restaurant, who was the overall winner and winner of the Fastest Waiter, said: 'I feel great about winning. The whole event was amazing. This day is something to celebrate. To me, this is not just a job. It's where I can meet other people and make them smile. It's not just serving; it's about making someone's day. Jane organised a great event.'

Kyle Rudling, for City College Norwich, and winner of the Fastest Student, said: 'It's the best race I've done, but one piece of advice I would give is to wear better shoes than I did. I recommend it to other restaurants to try. The other people were great. I'm very happy to gloat about winning to my fellow students.'

Jayne added: 'Our thanks to Epos Now for supporting this fabulous event and to the catering school at city College Norwich who are helping to run the event, as well as competing on the day.'

One of the runners in the Norwich Waiters' Day race. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Two of the runners in the Norwich Waiters' Day race. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The start of the Norwich Waiters' Day race. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

One of the runners in the Norwich Waiters' Day race. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The start of the Norwich Waiters' Day race. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The organiser, Jayne Raffles, front, the Lord Mayor, David Fullman, and Sheriff, David Walker, with the waiters and waitresses ready for the start of the Norwich Waiters' Day race. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The start of the Norwich Waiters' Day race. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)