SIX MICHELIN-STARRED CHEFS SADDLE UP FOR CHARITY POLO DAY

Hospitality Action returns to Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire this September, to host its sixth annual polo day. On Sunday 6^th September, the hospitality industry charity will deliver a fundraising day that includes: a three-course lunch prepared and served by the team from Calcot Kitchens and a staggering six Michelin-starred South West chefs – Martin Burge of Whatley Manor, Richard Davies of The Manor House, Josh Eggleton of The Pony & Trap, Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park, Sam Moody of The Bath Priory and Richard Picard-Edwards of Lords of the Manor. The team of professionals will be supported by the next generation of up and coming service professionals from City of Bath College, Gloucestershire College, City of Bristol College and Hit Training Academy.

All six chefs donned crisp Oliver Harvey chef jackets donated by The Chefs’ Forum for a photoshoot in the mid April sunshine to promote the event.  The photographer who shot the western-style picture of chefs on polo ponies was our very own John Arandhara-Blackwell who will be capturing every minute of the event itself this September.

The Chefs’ Forum has also secured sponsorship for all ingredients for the Michelin-starred feast from its generous sponsors Total Produce, Walter Rose & Son and Flying Fish. This means that the food cost is driven down so Hospitality Action raise even more money at this magnificent event.

The event will begin with a Moët & Chandon Champagne and canapé reception on the lawns of the prestigious Beaufort Polo Club, before a three-course lunch is prepared by the chefs who have a total of seven Michelin stars between them. Grandstand seats will be reserved for guests to watch the final of the 4 goal Solitaire Salver prior to ending the day with an afternoon cream tea served in the marquee.

Event sponsor Gary Tombs, Head of Business for Tetbury Audi says: “This is the third year in a row we have sponsored the Hospitality Action Polo Day and we are delighted to do so again.  Everything about the day is top-notch, from the delicious food prepared by some of the industry’s top names, right through to the polo itself and the Final of the prestigious Solitaire Salver. We are overjoyed that the Polo Day continues to go from strength to strength and are already looking forward to 6^th September!”

Calcot Hotels Executive Chairman and Hospitality Action Trustee Richard Ball adds: “The Hospitality Action Polo Day remains a firm favourite amongst supporters of the charity. It always sells out in record time and we expect this year to be no different – especially with the addition of our three new Michelin star chefs!

“The day is a real team effort and the amount of support we receive; from the students who work front of house through to our generous suppliers and sponsors, enables the event to raise as much as possible for those in crisis. Last year saw over £40,000 raised for the charity and we all want to top this in 2015.”

A place at the polo day is just £90 per person or £850 for a table of 10. Each of the partner hotels is offering special rates for guests for the Sunday evening.

Hospitality Action is also hosting its inaugural Cotswold Cycle Challenge on Monday 8th June and is inviting keen cyclists to take in the spectacular Cotswold countryside by cycling a 20, 60 or 100 mile route. In 2014, Hospitality Action spent just over £85,000 assisting hospitality workers in desperate need in the South West thus the money raised at both the Polo Day and Cycle Challenge will make a real difference.

For further information regarding either of these events contact Giuliana Vittiglio on 020 3004 5504 or at fundraising@hospitalityaction.org.uk.

Visit www.hospitalityaction.org.uk for more information about the charity.