The Gathered Table initiative brings together hospitality experts to ‘inspire’, develop and work in collaboration with CH&CO’s chefs.
Together they explore what’s hot in food, drink, technology, nutrition and sustainability to help ensure CH&CO menus remain fresh for clients, customers and teams.
For 2021/22, the Gathered Table features:
- Dr Rupy Aujla of The Doctors Kitchen
- Ottolenghi development chef and author Ixta Belfrage
- Kricket founder Will Bowlby
- Michelin-starred Ollie Dabbous
- Louisa Dodd of the Sustainable Restaurant Association
- Pastry chef Ravneet Gill
- Restaurateur and chef Robin Gill
- Galway’s JP McMahon
- Technology expert and It’s Lolly chief executive Peter Moore
- The ‘Godfather of Spanish cooking in the UK’ José Pizarro
The first event with José Pizzaro takes place on 7 October 2021 at Prince Philip House. ‘Tapas for Everyone’ will introduce new menu concepts and includes a live demo and talk from José himself and an interactive jamón carving.
Allister Richards, chief operating officer at CH&CO, said: “We want the food we create and the way it’s presented to stand out and create excitement and conversations for all the right reasons, whether that’s in a workplace, school, tourist attraction, venue or at an event. It makes absolute sense to give every part of our diverse business the opportunity to work with the brilliant talent and minds of the Gathered Table.
“At a time when our industry faces a real shortage of skilled chefs and front-of-house professionals, the benefits of accessing bespoke training, unrivalled development opportunities and, of course, real personal engagement with the Gathered Tables experts themselves is a key part of attracting and retaining talent across our business.”