University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Events and International Festivals Management student Arwen Garland has achieved international recognition after receiving the Above & Beyond Service Award for Front of House at the Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist World Finals, held in London.
The 19-year-old from Swansea, who was previously named Wales Young Waiter of the Year 2025 at the national finals hosted at Swansea.com Stadium, impressed an international panel of judges with her exceptional professionalism, technical expertise, and passion for hospitality, earning one of the competition’s standout individual honours.
A fluent Welsh speaker, Arwen’s journey in hospitality began at the very same stadium on her 16th birthday during an Elton John concert. Since then, she has built an extensive portfolio of experience across conference and events teams, set-up crews, and matchday hospitality.
As part of her UWTSD university experience, Arwen has been based at the Swansea Building Society Arena, where she now works as a Bars Supervisor. During her placement, she has also been working with the Stadium Events Team, helping to organise a wide range of unique events and conferences, including hosting global superstar Snoop Dogg.
Arwen has been an active member of the UWTSD Student Events Team, contributing to the delivery of House Party 2024, and has supported ITT Future You Wales since 2024. This year, she also took on the role of student panellist at Future You Wales, sharing her career journey and inspiring others, while looking ahead to helping organise the 2026 event.
Alongside her studies, Arwen has embraced every opportunity to expand her industry knowledge and experience. She has taken part in field trips to London, attended World Travel Market (WTM) London and the Institute of Hospitality’s #Passion4Hospitality event, and gained valuable hands-on experience working at the Michelin-starred Beach House in Swansea.
Arwen said:
“Representing Wales and UWTSD in London has been an incredible honour, and I’m so proud to have achieved this award alongside such talented competitors from across the globe.
“My course has played a huge role in preparing me for this moment. From developing my service skills and wine knowledge to understanding sustainability and the future of hospitality, I felt ready to take on the challenges. The competition pushed me to think critically, adapt quickly, and deliver the highest standards of service, and I’ve grown so much through the experience.
“This journey started in Swansea when I was 16, and to now be recognised on the world stage feels surreal. I hope it inspires other young people in Wales to pursue a career in hospitality; it’s an industry full of opportunity.”
UWTSD, which hosted the Welsh finals and supported Arwen throughout her journey, celebrated her achievement as a testament to the strength of its industry-focused programmes and partnerships.
Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager at UWTSD, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to see Arwen recognised at the World Finals with this prestigious award. This is a phenomenal achievement and a proud moment not only for Arwen but for the University and the wider Welsh hospitality sector.
“Arwen’s dedication, professionalism, and passion have always stood out. Her success highlights the real-world focus of our Events and International Festivals Management course and the opportunities it provides students to gain meaningful industry experience. She has represented Wales with distinction, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Dr Jayne Griffith-Parry, Academic Director of Hospitality and Tourism Management at UWTSD, added:
“This is a fantastic achievement. For Arwen to receive an individual award at this level is truly exceptional.
“The ethos of UWTSD, combining academic excellence with industry engagement, is clearly reflected in Arwen’s success. She embodies the future of hospitality: skilled, thoughtful, and globally aware. We look forward to supporting her as she continues her journey into leadership within the sector.”
The World Finals also saw strong representation from UWTSD staff. Antoinette Milne, Resident WSET Wine Trainer and Lecturer in Hospitality Management, was part of the judging panel for the Mixologist category. Alongside Dr Jayne Griffith-Parry, both worked tirelessly throughout the week, supporting students and contributing to the delivery of the championships.
Arwen was part of the Welsh team competing at the world finals alongside national Young Chef and Young Mixologist winners, showcasing the very best of Welsh talent to an international audience of leading chefs, hospitality professionals, and industry experts.
The competition itself was an outstanding experience for the team. Across several days in London, they not only competed against teams from around the world but also learned from some of the very best in the industry at top venues:
- Day 1: Launch Event at Brooklands by Claude Bosi at The Peninsula London
- Day 2: Market and industry day, including visits to Billingsgate Fish Market, Fortnum & Mason, HG Walter Butchers, and Jumeirah Carlton Towers
- Day 3: Competition Day at Jumeirah Carlton Towers London
Arwen said she will continue to build on this success. Immediately after the championships, she will collaborate with fellow students to deliver a Masquerade Ball as part of their Live Events Project.
The Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist competition remains a cornerstone of the UK hospitality calendar, celebrating emerging talent across the industry. Open to competitors under the age of 28, it provides a global platform for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
