On Friday 25th January 2013 I was a guest at the Charity Fund Raising dinner for Hospitality Action at the wonderful Pennyhill Park in Surrey. This evening was organised by Danny Pecorelli and Philip Newman-Hall, and this was no ordinary charity dinner as we were served by some of the most esteemed Hoteliers from across the country as they went “Back to the Floor”.

The guest waiters were:

Richard Ball – Calcott Manor, Peter Crome – Skibo Castle, Stuart Johnson – Brown’s Hotel, Andrew McKenzie – The Vineyard at Stockcross, Harry Murray – Lucknam Park,  Philip Newman-Hill – Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons,  Danny Pecorelli – Exclusive Hotels, Justin Pinchbeck – The Kings Hotel,Jonathan Raggett – Red Carnation, Jeremy Rata – Bovey Castle, Michael Shepherd – London Hilton on Park Lane, John Stauss – Four Seasons London at Park Lane, Sue Williams – Cliveden House

With guest sommeliers:

Derek Bulmer – Consultant, Ufi Ibrahim – British Hospitality Association, Mark Lewis – Editor Caterer and Hotelkeeper, Julie Sibley, William Drew – Restaurant Magazine, Kate Levin – Capital Hotel, Simon Numphud – AA Hotel Services

and with Peter Hancock – Pride of Britain Hotels doing a superb job as compere.

The evening was an outstanding success starting off with a Champagne Reception and then moving on to a four course dinner with wine.

I was seated at Stuart Johnson’s table – and being Hotelier of The Year he did not disappoint. The food was superb and the service a conversation topic. As a guest we were presented with a bib just in case of any spillages…

As this was a Charity Event for Hospitality Action there was an Auction and a Prize Draw as well as “tips” for the waiters and sommeliers all going towards this worthy cause and £25,000 was raised. Well done to all involved, and it was fantastic to be part of the experience – thank you.