Now in its fourteenth year, the Challenge brings together 34 of the country’s leading hotels, from the Cape to Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with 166 candidates competing across the various categories: Concierges (17), Wine Stewards (31), Hot Chefs (31), Pastry Chefs (31), Bakers (28) and Baristas (28). Each hotel is paired with a partner winery, and […]
🍇 Grain and Grape to Glass
Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ South Africa 2026 Supported by Union Tiles Showcook ~ Igniting Careers in Hospitality & Tourism “Great wine requires a mad man to grow the vine, a wise man to watch over it, a lucid poet to make it, and a lover to drink it.” — Salvador Dalí Cape Town welcomed Wine Stewards from […]
Rising to the PASTRY Challenge
The Artisans of Pastry who are keen to put their prowess to the challenge to become the Inter-Hotel Challenge Lancewood Ultimate Pastry Chef of the Year! From delicate detail to exquisite flavour, our pastry chefs will put their skills to the test, transforming simple ingredients into an award winning entry! This is where technique meets […]
CONCIERGES – South Africa’s Brand Ambassadors
Meet This Year’s Diamond Works Concierges for the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2026 supported by Union Tiles Every year, a new group of hospitality professionals step forward to represent The Diamond Works Concierges Choice and this year’s candidates are no exception. Chosen for their skill, warmth, and genuine care for the guest experience, they carry […]
BAKERS – The Magic of Baking
Introducing the Bakers of the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2026, supported by Union Tiles. The Cook-Off & Service Presentation takes place in October, with the winners announced on 1 December. Baking has not always been recognised as a serious career path in South African hospitality. It has often stood in the shadow of the pastry section, […]
Getting to Know the Hot CHEFS
Precision, creativity and consistency are the hallmarks of an exceptional chef. In this challenge, competitors will have four hours to prepare and present two outstanding courses for four guests, showcasing refined culinary technique, thoughtful flavour combinations and professional execution. The menu begins with a starter inspired by the quality and versatility of Ciao Pulses and […]
Meet the WINE STEWARDS: Our ambassadors to the Cape’s liquid gold
With over 300 years of winemaking heritage and routes stretching from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, Constantia to the Cape West Coast, South Africa’s Winelands are widely regarded as among the finest wine tourism destinations on earth — a place where world-class wines meets unmatched hospitality. It is our Wine Stewards who carry that conversation to the […]
Grounds for Greatness: Meet the BARISTAS
Get to know the hands behind your espresso, the artists behind your latte art, and the baristas who can tell you exactly why roast and grind size change everything. Whether it’s a perfectly pulled shot in a preheated cup or a flawless flat white, our baristas don’t just make coffee they make a winning experience. […]
Prize Announcements…
“Winners are not those who never fail but those who never quit.” – Edwin Louis Cole The winners of the Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2026 Supported by Union Tiles will be announced at the Gala Dinner on 1st December at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. Chef Awards Chef of the Year and Ultimate […]
2026 INTER-HOTEL CHALLENGE TEAMS ANNOUNCED!
We are delighted to announce the teams for this year’s Inter-Hotel Challenge ~ SA 2026 Supported by Union Tiles! Gauteng & North West Province 54 on Bath & Simonsig Family VineyardsWINE STEWARD Ivy MaakeCHEF Silindokuhle KubekaPASTRY CHEF Levy MogaleBAKER Loyiso MlondoBARISTA Monwabisi Jalatini Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg & Bellingham PandemoniumCONCIERGE Ashton AbdulWINE STEWARD […]