The organisation aims to inspire all front of house staff that want to progress within the hospitality industry with updates and guidance from established hospitality professionals.

It also has a vision to link all levels industry and education to enhance careers and inspire all. Another key mission is to provide support and guidance for the future of our industry to ensure high levels of service and service standards in all establishments.

John Holden, chair of the Front of House Craft Guild, commented: “We have officially launched the Front of House Craft Guild, this is born out of the Craft Guild of Chefs and is going to represent all aspects of front of house from concierge, reception, restaurant, bar, mixologists, baristas and housekeeping.

“It has been a long time coming and certainly won’t be fully functional overnight, however we have a committee all ready to carry out the roles and the duties for this amazing industry we work in. It is an honour and humbling to have been asked to chair this group and I will do everything in my ability to get it off the ground.

“We are working now to get it set up into the great association it is going to be, we just need more industry to support and we need to ultimately start getting members to join. Membership is mirroring the CGOC and will be accessible for all FOH workers who wish to join. I am open to conversations with any industry member who wishes to support or endorse us as it would be good to have their support.”

Holden has worked in the hospitality and catering industry for the last 35 years, starting his career in a local pub as a waiter and starter chef. He also runs a coffee business with his family that does events with A Tuk Tuk, called One Sip at a Time.

He started Bridging the Skills gap to try to address the shortages within the industry and is keen to offer information, help and advice where it is most needed. Holden is passionate about the industry and has most recently taken on the role of national chair of PACE.

Front of House Craft Guild committee:

• John Holden, chair
• Peter Avis, vice chair
• Tim Andrews, social media & communications
• John Starns, education
• Victoria Mulqueen, education
• Simona Federova, competitions
• Rohaise Rose-Bristow, independent and Scotland      
• Lauren Clarke, youth ambassador
• Emily Jones, youth ambassador
• Ben Sutton, hotels
• Zac Wolfe, pubs & restaurants
• Kate Boden, social secretary
• Elizabeth Forkouh, competitions