The Great Chefs Dinner brought together five of the UK’s most celebrated chefs for one night only, raising £266,000 for the NSPCC.
The prestigious annual event took place on Thursday 2 December at the iconic Guildhall in the City of London, where guests were treated to an exclusive five course menu of exquisite dishes prepared by a talented group of chefs from across the UK.
Creating the gastronomic feast were Dan McGeorge from Rothay Manor who won the Great British Menu in 2021, Roberta Hall-McCarron of The Little Chartroom, Hywel Griffith of the Beach House Restaurant, Stuart Collins from Docket No. 33, and Liam Goldstone, Head Chef at Morston Hall.
The evening, supported by headline sponsor Direct Line Group, included an opening performance from soprano singer Lesley Garrett, while family face of Antiques Road Trip, Charlie Ross, hosted a luxury live auction. This included prizes donated by the chefs and a private dining experience for 12 guests at Zuma, raising an amazing £53,500.
The money raised throughout the night will help to fund the NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe. programme which helps children know what to do and who to speak to if something is worrying or upsetting them.
The charity launched an online version of their Speak Out. Stay Safe. assembly featuring Ant & Dec in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to continue to deliver these vital messages to children while unable to visit schools. Schools can sign up at nspcc.org.uk/speakout.
Mike McGrath, NSPCC Head of Partnerships, said: “It was an incredible evening thanks to all of the chefs, generous guests, our Committee, and everyone involved. We are extremely grateful for the fantastic amount of money raised. These vital funds will ensure we can continue to deliver our Speak Out. Stay Safe. programme to help keep children safe from abuse.”
Chef Dan McGeorge, winner of the Great British Menu 2021, said: ”It was a pleasure to be able to design and cook the dessert course for this year’s NSPCC Great Chefs Dinner. Helping to raise funds towards the continued delivery of the Speak Out. Stay Safe. service was something all of the chefs who cooked wanted to be involved with. Especially because of the outcomes it delivers in helping children understand abuse in all its forms, spot the signs of abuse, and in equipping them with the confidence to speak out.”
If you would like to support the NSPCC to be here for children, you can make a donation on their website: https://secure.nspcc.org.uk/single-donation/step1/?ac=greatbritishchef
