Blog. Social Sunday 18 – A Glorious Way to Support HA
July 02, 2018 | Author Giuliana Vittiglio
Author: Giuliana Vittiglio
Yesterday I was lucky enough to join our photographer, the talented Martin Edwards, and The Social Company’s Social Media & Marketing Executive Stephanie Mercer, as we visited each of Jason Atherton’s London restaurants that were taking part in Social Sunday 2018. This is the first time the initiative has gone beyond The Social Company with restaurants nationwide taking part to raise funds on our behalf. As Jason says, the day belongs to the industry and with chefs from Sat Bains and Niall Keating and Gary Usher hosting events in our honour Social Sunday has spread much further than we could have hoped. Our thanks to OXBO Bankside for kicking off proceedings last Friday where chef Paul Bates was joined by England rugby legend Simon Shaw to cook up a three course storm.
My Social Sunday started bright and early at Sosharu in Farringdon, just a minute away from the Hospitality Action office. Chefs Alex Craciun, Edoardo Pellicano, Kazutoshi Endo, Oliver Marlow, Patrick Powell, Chase Chase Lovecky and Hannah Catley were in the middle of preparing their dazzling six course menu, including grilled lamb rump, courgettes and black garlic and razor clams, barbequed peas, hazelnut and mint. Spirits were high as the chefs tucked into a bacon buttie breakfast ahead of their busy service.
After a 20 minute cab ride our next stop was Social Wine & Tapas in Marylebone where Head Chef Marcus Rohlen and Executive Head Sommelier at Pollen Street Social Laure Patry were joined by guest chefs from Ceviche. Service was in full swing when we arrived with diner’s tucking in the mouthwatering fish, meats and perfectly matched wines, all in aid of HA!
It wasn’t long before we made our move to Social Eating House where Paul Ainsworth and Paul Hood were in fine form. The kitchen was buzzing with lucky guests seated at the chef’s table enjoying the view (and the heat!) generated from the hard working brigade. Not for the faint-hearted dishes on offer included pig’s head fritter and octopus. Needless to say both were delicious!
A ten minute walk away we joined the gang at Little Social, headed up by the talented Clare Smyth and Cary Doherty. Service was coming to a close when we arrived with happy guests tucking into the most amazing Eton Mess I’ve ever seen. After a few photos we left the chefs to celebrate their achievements.
With the fun drawing to a close our last stop was Pollen Street Social, just across the road from Little Social. HA Champion Jason Atherton was joined by Tom Aikens and Tom Sellers to cater for the sold out restaurant. The kitchen ran like clockwork and everyone was delighted when the chefs took the time to pop out and greet everyone making the occasion even more memorable.
Before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Martin who had one last Social Sunday engagement…a fabulous hog roast at The Beehive in White Waltham hosted by Dominic Chapman. A spot of cricket, live music and gorgeous food in the glorious sunshine. A fantastic end to the day!
Whilst Sunday 1st July may be over that doesn’t mean it’s too late to take part in Social Sunday 2018. Stem by Neo in Mayfair are hosting a Summer Party at the end of the month in our honour whilst The Fat Duck Group are amongst those who have added a discretionary £1 donation to diner’s bills all this week.
If you’d like to take part too please give me a ring on: 020 3004 5504. And of course, our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already participated in some way, shape or form. Put simply, without you we wouldn’t be able to help so many people in need.
