GUERNSEY’S judo gold medallist has joined forces with Mora Restaurant and Grill. Roberto Mascherucci hit the headlines in July when he claimed Guernsey’s first gold medal at this year’s Island Games in Rhodes, but he is now back on these shores as the new head waiter at the St Peter Port seafront restaurant.

He said he was looking forward to a new challenge following his win.

‘I’m very pleased to be part of the Mora team. It’s a beautiful restaurant and an exciting new project for me.

‘This is a good move and I’m looking forward to a busy time here.’

Originally from the wine-producing town of Frascati, near Rome, Mr Mascherucci, 35, has lived in Guernsey for more than 10 years.

He said he was proud of his adopted home.

‘I love the island and it meant a lot to me to win gold for Guernsey this year.

‘That’s why I’m also glad to be part of a restaurant that celebrates the local spirit and regional food.

‘As a foreigner I can tell you that Guernsey has so much to be proud of, believe me.’

Mora opened in March, in the former Bucktrout premises on The Quay, opposite Victoria Marina.

Restaurant manager David Legoupil, from Saint-Lo, Normandy, said that Mr Mascherucci would be a valuable addition to the front-of-house team.

‘Roberto is a very professional waiter with a friendly, personal style, which is a good combination.

‘He is easy to work with and has already slotted into the team very well. I think that customers will enjoy his style of service.’

Mora’s general manager Marco Ciotti added: ‘We were all sad to lose our original head waiter, who recently returned home to Italy for family reasons, but Roberto is already proving to be the ideal man for his job, combining expertise with enthusiasm and a warm, engaging manner.

‘I think that sport is a great discipline and excellent sportsmen tend to approach their job with the same high standards.

‘If they gave out belts for waiters I think Roberto would have another black one.’