jellybean has been a long-time supporter of the great work Hospitality Action does for those in need in the hospitality industry. As a Hospitality Action Ambassador, I am also personally keen to do all we can to support their great work. Some row across the Atlantic (see Spirit of Hospitality), me, well I’m more of a nice dinner at a posh hotel kinda girl, so when we saw the line up for the Winter Chefs’ Dinner at Raffles OWO we were in!

The night was stunning, as we took in the sumptuous surroundings of what is becomingthe go-to five-star hotel in London. The history of the building is amazing. Designed by British architect William Young, the War Office was built on the site of the Palace of Whitehall – home for centuries to English monarchs, including King Henry VIII. Built in 1906 it has stood as silent witness to world-shaping events of the twentieth century. Influential political and military leaders, including Winston Churchill, Lord Haldane and T. E. Lawrence walked these corridors of power, while the Grade II listed building inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond series, and has featured in numerous Bond films. So, quite the setting!

Thankfully the chef line-up was equally as impressive, with not one but two menus developed by leading chefs including: Endo Kazutoshi of Endo at the Rotunda, Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Ashley Palmer-Watts of The Devonshire, Bomee Ki of Sollip, Tomos Parry of Brat, Cynthia Shanmugalingam of Rambutan, Jonny Lake of Trivet, and Robin Gill of Darby’s. The wine and the conversation flowed as we enjoyed a fabulous evening in great company. What’s more, the night managed to raise a stunning £90,000 for Hospitality Action. Well done to the team at Hospitality Action, the wonderful venue Raffles and of course the chefs and sponsors who made the night possible.

To find out more about the great work Hospitality Action does visit www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/ and as the festive season approaches, if you want to give a little back to help those in need in hospitality you can get involved with their Winter Auction here.