GREAT food can mean very little if the service isn’t up to scratch – but that won’t be a problem for diners at a restaurant in Hatfield.

Christie McVeigh, restaurant manager of the Outsidein Restaurant at Beales Hotel in Comet Way, has just competed in the regional finals of the Young Waiter of The Year Awards.

The 19-year-old competed against staff from prestigous eateries such as The Ritz and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manior aux Quat’Saison, performing a ‘live’ three hour serve in front of judges, in the traditional garadon style of carving and filleting dishes at customers’ tables.

Competitors also had to select a wine to accompany each course.

“It was quite nerve racking and so different when judges are watching your every move but it was also great fun to meet so many colleagues from other restaurants and hotels,” said Christie.

Despite missing out on the national finals by a single point, Christie was undeterred.

“Next year I hope to do even better and get to the finals,” she said.