Last night, seven of Britain’s most celebrated chefs hosted an exclusive dining experience in one of London’s most renowned hotels, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, raising over £32,000 for the industry’s charity, Hospitality Action. All funds raised will go towards helping those who work or have worked in the hospitality industry and have fallen on hard times.
Chefs Tom Kerridge, Michel Roux OBE, Gary Usher, Paul Heathcote MBE, Ashley Palmer-Watts, Nigel Haworth and Hospitality Action’s Principal Patron, Jason Atherton, all contributed to two bespoke four-course menus, with signature dishes from their respective restaurants.
Highlights included; Ashley Palmer-Watt’s signature starter of, Meat Fruit (c.1500); a fish course of Looe Day Boat Turbot with wild garlic, cockle velouté and cauliflower with yoghurt purée by Jason Atherton and a Teardrop of milk chocolate mousse with a caramel and mango filling served with mango sorbet from Michel Roux, OBE of The Waterside Inn. Guests also enjoyed specially selected wines and a Moët & Chandon reception.
Taking the stage on the night was Hospitality Action’s Chief Executive, Mark Lewis, who presented the organisation’s powerful new campaign which launches officially in July. The campaign features real hospitality workers across a range of roles and celebrates the nurturing and supportive cause at the heart of the charity’s efforts.
Further funds raised on the night came from a live auction hosted by revered chef, Brian Turner CBE, with prizes including a four-course meal with matching wines for 8 guests in The Shed at The Hand & Flowers – all of which were generously donated for the event.
Principal Patron, Jason Atherton commented on the event: “It was such an honour to cook at last night’s Patron’s Dinner, and to hear real life stories from fellow hospitality workers was extremely moving. A huge thank you to everyone that attended and to the Mandarin Oriental team for hosting the event. The money raised last night will allow Hospitality Action to continue helping people who work or have worked in the industry and have fallen on hard times. I feel privileged to be a part of such a worthwhile charity”.