The Great Chefs Dinner brought together four of the UK’s most celebrated chefs for one night only, raising an incredible £279,000 for Childline.
The prestigious annual event took place on Thursday 1st December at the iconic Guildhall in the City of London, where guests were treated to an exclusive four course menu of exquisite dishes prepared by a talented group of chefs from across the UK.
Creating the gastronomic feast were Lorna McNee from Michelin-Starred Cail Bruich; Jude Kereama from Kota and finalist of Great British Menu 2021; Spencer Metzger from The Ritz and winner of Great British Menu 2022; and Georgia Sommerin from Michelin-Starred Home at Penarth.
The evening, sponsored by Direct Line Group, was hosted by Great British Bake Off finalist Crystelle Pereira and included an opening performance from Thomas’s Fulham Tallis Singers, while family face of Antiques Road Trip, Charlie Ross, hosted a luxury live auction. This included prizes donated by the chefs, five nights at luxury Maldives resort Soneva Fushi and more.
The money raised throughout the night will help to fund the NSPCC’s vital Childline service. Childline provides a safe, confidential place for children who feel they have nowhere else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Childline has been supporting children and young people for over 35 years. There were over 200,000 Childline counselling sessions with children and young people last year with, on average, two children contacting Childline a minute.
Mike McGrath, NSPCC Head of Partnerships, said: “It was a such an incredible evening. We are so grateful to all the amazing chefs, our brilliant event committee and generous guests who made it such an experience. We are extremely grateful for the fantastic amount of money raised. These funds are critical to us delivering Childline and helping keep children safe from abuse.”
Chef Jude Kereama, finalist of the Great British Menu 2021, said: “It was my absolute pleasure to cook for this year’s NSPCC Great Chefs Dinner. The calibre of all the chefs and dishes were just astounding. I was honoured to be asked to cook the fish course this year as it is a dish that reflects what I like to cook and the produce that I forage or buy locally. I am proud to have been involved in raising funds for this important charity, helping to give children support and keep them safe from harm.”
If you would like to support the NSPCC to be here for children, you can make a donation on its website.
Next year’s Great Chef’s Dinner is set to take place on Tuesday 5 December. To find out more or to book a place, please email GreatChefsDinner@nspcc.org.uk.