The Chefs’ Forum’s 10th Anniversary Tour Continues at Bristol’s Klosterhaus

The Chefs’ Forum put on the biggest event of its year of celebration across the UK with a special lunch at Klosterhaus in Bristol yesterday.

The special event was a unique partnership between the D&D London restaurant group and The Chefs’ Forum with students from City of Bristol College playing an important supporting role.

100 chefs, hospitality professionals and old friends got together to toast 10 great years of The Chefs’ Forum in the Southwest.

“We’ve come a long way in those 10 years,” explained Catherine Farinha, Director of The Chefs’ Forum. “This lunch demonstrates just how far. We teamed up with D&D London to showcase their restaurants to local colleges and recruiters. The idea was that their chefs came to Bristol from London and put on a special lunch. We got City of Bristol College involved and everybody met in the middle. This is what we do, and it worked really well.”

Chris Wicks, another original founder of The Chefs’ Forum was delighted to attend the event, he said

Who would have thought that the original Bristol meetings led to The Chefs’ Forum becoming a national organisation and industry platform.  It is amazing to see, and it obviously works for all concerned.  The college students have been brilliant today and it was amazing to catch-up with friends old and new – Here’s to another successful decade for The Chefs’ Forum.”

The exclusive menu was prepared by D&D London chefs Bjoern Wassmuth (Executive Chef at German Gymnasium) Jenson Santos (Head Chef at German Gymnasium) and Damien Rigollet (Executive Chef at Coq D’Argent) with Nelson Sa (Head Pastry Chef at Angler at South Place Hotel) heading-up the pastry.

Jakub Klimes, GM of Klosterhaus in Bristol said afterwards: “It was magnificent to see so many industry professionals all in one room. We wanted to showcase D&D London and this was the perfect way to do it. A big thank you to The Chefs’ Forum team and all the students from City of Bristol College.”

Sarah Arikan, owner of Berwick Lodge and long-time Chefs’ Forum supporter said: “I can remember when this all started ten years ago – The inaugural event was held at Berwick Lodge. It’s a great achievement and to see so many people supporting Catherine is wonderful. She is tireless in what she does in bringing people together.”

Catherine Farinha continued: “It’s very gratifying to be able to help a group as big as D&D London with their recruitment. We were able to give them a platform where they could show off what they do to the next generation, and it was very well-received.”

The menu in full:

Cauliflower Creme du Barry, curried florets and croutons

Teriyaki glazed octopus, hummus, confit lemon, chorizo & chickpea salad and coriander dressing

Redefine Meat flank steak, soy chilli glaze, potato rosti and Tenderstem® broccoli

Black Forest

Wines were kindly sponsored by Liberty Wines:

Welcome Drink – Kaiken Metodo Tradicional Brut NV, Mendoza, Argentina

White – El Coto Rioja Verdejo 2021, Rioja, Spain

Red – Casa Ferreirinha ‘Papa Figos’ Douro Tinto 2020, Portugal

The Chefs’ Forum is wholly funded by sponsorship of market-leading industry brands, and it is the valuable support that enables the team to stage amazing events like this one, completely free of charge for the chefs and hospitality professionals who attend.

Thank you to our sponsors Foie Royale, Adande, Redefine Meat, TTW Recruitment, Liberty Wines, Lovejoys, Wedgwood, Waterford Crystal, Taylor UK, and Chef Works.

Any chefs interested in attending events or sponsors looking to support and feature their produce, equipment or services at the events should contact catherine@redcherry.uk.com

Photo credit: John Blackwell