CHEFS RAISE OVER £40,000 AT CHARITY POLO DAY

Beaufort Polo Club, Gloucestershire, hosted the fourth annual Hospitality Action Polo Day on Sunday 8^th September, raising more than £40,000 for the industry charity.

Acclaimed chefs Sam Moody of The Bath Priory, Michael Stenekes of Calcot Manor, the Michelin two-starred chef Martin Burge of Whatley Manor and the Michelin-starred chef Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park joined forces to raise much-needed funds for the charity’s vital work.

Guests delighted in an impressive lunch of poached Cornish lobster, slow braised veal cheek and set vanilla butter milk prior to the final of the Solitaire Salver polo match, which saw Zencom crowned as champions against Cherrywhite in a memorable match of speed and agility. Prior to the game, guests were given a polo demonstration as they enjoyed a private drinks reception on the lawn of Beaufort Polo Club. Afternoon tea was also served and prepared by Calcot Kitchens.

Penny Moore, chief executive, Hospitality Action, said: “The Polo Day is a firm favourite amongst our supporters, with tickets selling out months in advance. We are indebted to event sponsors Tetbury Audi, Lynx Purchasing and Woodward Foodservice for supporting the day and ensuring its continued success. Demand for the charity’s assistance is up 41% compared to this time last year, so the funds raised here today will enable us to help even more of our colleagues in crisis.”

Richard Ball, Managing Director of Calcot Manor and Barnsley House, said: “As a trustee of Hospitality Action and Chair of the South West Regional Board, I am delighted that the Polo Day continues to be such an outstanding success. My thanks to all four chefs for the time and effort they have put into the day and my team at Calcot Kitchens for all their hard work.”

The day was attended by a number of well-known figures from across the industry including William Baxter CBE, Peter Egli of Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa and Peter Hancock of Pride of Britain Hotels.