One of the UK’s most acclaimed chef’s, Tom Aikens, is set to headline Arena’s exclusive ‘Audience with…’ event at the stunning 5* Rosewood London, in partnership with industry charity, Only A Pavement Away.
Taking place on the 15th March, the Michelin-starred British chef will headline a special ‘Audience with …’ event for over 150 hospitality and foodservice professionals, sharing the life events that have shaped his phenomenal career. The lunch will raise vital funds for Only A Pavement Away – the industry charity supporting people facing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans into careers within hospitality.
Following a drinks and canape reception and a mouth-watering three-course lunch, guests will hear from Tom Aikens on his motivations and aspirations in an exclusive interview with The Rosewood’s Executive Chef, Simon Young.
This will be Tom’s first fundraising event for the charity since accepting his recent position as Patron of Only A Pavement Away. One of Tom’s most significant involvements with the charity is his annual Cook and Dine event, at which he prepares a bespoke menu for over 260 industry guests, which in 2023 raised over £43,000 for Only A Pavement Away. Tom’s ongoing support for the charity has been critical in it placing over 450 people into work to date.
Also at the event, Mark Stretton, CEO of Fleet Street, will host a panel discussion with Will Beckett, founder and CEO of Hawksmoor, Janene Pretorius, Head of People and Culture, Wolseley Hospitality Group and Emma McClarkin, CEO, British Beer and Pub Association. This engaging panel will focus on new trends, opportunities and challenges facing the sector over the coming year, the latest situation with regards to staffing challenges and how working with charities such as Only A Pavement Away can help to relieve these challenges.
Tom Aikens said: “It’s such a privilege to be able to host these events and bring together such a supportive, close-knit community, whilst also supporting such an amazing charity. For me, it is a cause that is vital to the industry, and I am eager to promote Only A Pavement Away’s work and raise funds in any way I can. The lunch is going to be fantastic, and all for a good cause to support people out of homelessness.”
To find out more about the event, please visit https://arena.org.uk/event/
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For more information, contact Fleet Street Communications: onlyapavementaway@fsc.uk.com
Notes to editors:
In addition to standard tickets, Arena have secured a special discount for our industry friends and colleagues who are not members of Arena which is £185 + vat instead of £280 + vat. (However if you are already an Arena member the cost is £180 + vat). In order to purchase tickets at the special Only A Pavement Away discounted rate, please email Arena’s Director, Lorraine Wood on lorraine@arena.org.uk quoting the discount code ARENA24 or by phone 07803 853618.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://arena.org.uk/event/
About Only A Pavement Away:
Only A Pavement Away was established by hospitality industry consultant, Greg Mangham & his wife Gill, on World Homeless Day, 10th October 2018, to help those facing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans, find employment in the hospitality industry. Its bespoke hospitality Jobs Board – which is free of charge – has been developed to help streamline and alleviate the burden of the processes that employers go through in employing people who are struggling to reconnect with society. To date, the charity has placed 450 people into work, adding an approximate value of £12.8m to the economy through reduced government support, financial independence and household expenditure. It has ambitious plans in place to support a further 5,000 people – who are either experiencing or at risk of homelessness – into work over the next 5 years. www.onlyapavementaway.co.uk
For more information, contact Fleet Street Communications: onlyapavementaway@fsc.uk.com
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