More than 360 people from across the hospitality profession joined together to celebrate, recognise success and highlight the importance of mental health at The Burnt Chef Project’s second gala dinner, aptly titled, Love Hospitality, in March, raising thousands of pounds in the process.
The glamourous event which took place in London on Monday 25th March 2024, the first night of the Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Show, in partnership with Unox, brought together suppliers, operators, training and education providers and others from across the sector. Hosted by internationally renowned writer and comedian, Russell Kane, the event not only raised thousands of pounds on the night, but it also served its purpose of facilitating discussion, hosting conversation and raising awareness of the mental health crisis in the hospitality profession.
On the night, Scott Duncan, Managing Director of Unox UK comments: “Love Hospitality was a truly fitting way to celebrate some of the incredible people who work in our wonderful sector, providing a platform to discuss the need for improved mental health support and raise much-needed funds to support the work of The Burnt Chef Project. As a long-term supporter of this great cause, Unox UK was delighted to return as headline partner – announcing our epic fundraising challenge – Moving Mountains for Mental Health – in the process.”
Celebrating some of the many incredible talents and those who go above and beyond to provide mental health support, Love Hospitality also hosted the first Hospitality’s Mental Health Heroes awards, in association with Talent Hive.
With six categories, the awards were the pinnacle of the night, celebrating those who’ve championed mental health in their workplace. The winners on the night were:
• Best Mental Health in the Workplace Strategy, sponsored by MHFA England – Winner: Marston’s PLC
• Most Inspiring Leader, sponsored by Wafflemeister – Winner: Carly Heath, Bristol City Council
• Most Inspiring Wellbeing Champion, sponsored by Planday – Winner: Joe Bentley, Cedar Court
• Unsung Hero, sponsored by Eat PR & Marketing – Winner: Simon Green, The Kitchen Shrink
• Inspirational Story, sponsored by Thomas Franks – Winner: Jose Jesus Monteiro
• Outstanding Impact in Catering Education, sponsored by Lordwell – Winner: Simon Hart, Southampton City College
On being headline partner for the awards, Will Gennard, Managing Director at Talent Hive adds: “We could not be prouder of every winner, runner up and finalist at the inaugural Hospitality’s Mental Health Heroes awards – congratulations to everyone who received a nomination. In a profession such as hospitality, it’s vital to be able to recognise and reward those who go the extra mile, especially when championing mental health support to others within their businesses. The entire team at Talent Hive are in awe of the commitment, sacrifice and dedication of so many individuals and businesses and we are proud to be able to do our bit to support this through our partnership with The Burnt Chef Project.”
With Russell Kane keeping the audience entertained throughout the night and with silent actions, raffles, games and even a live band for guests to dance the night away to, Love Hospitality was a great success. The event couldn’t have taken place without the support of the sponsors – Unox, Talent Hive, Thomas Franks, Waiting Staff London, Thrive, Voco Hotels, R&R Hire, Caleno, Wenlock Spring, Butcombe Brewing Co., G’Vine, Paragon Brands, Thatchers, Double Dutch, Biddenden Vineyard, Embello, Lordwell, Henry’s Bar, ExCel Hospitality, Montgomery Events/HRC.
Supplying the wonderful food and the team needed to cook and serve the 360 guests, Blain Shepherd, Managing Director of Thomas Franks concludes with: “We are beyond proud of everyone in the Thomas Franks team, but also very proud to be part of this incredible project. What The Burnt Chef Project does each and every day is super special and the team behind it should also be extremely proud for putting on such an exceptional event.”
For more information on The Burnt Chef Project, including the support and information available to those living with mental health challenges, please visit www.theburntchefproject.com.
