Blog. South West Polo Day makes long-awaited return

On Sunday 3^rd September some of the country’s most talented and admired chefs will return to Beaufort Polo Club, Gloucestershire after a four year hiatus to cook up a storm at our much-missed South West Polo Day.

The Polo Day, sponsored by Journey Hospitality, is supported by a number of local establishments, including eight award-winning South West chefs; the Michelin-star Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park, the Michelin-star Rob Potter of The Manor House, Great British Menu star Elly Wentworth of The Angel, Richard Davies of Calcot & Spa, Chris Cleghorn of The Olive Tree, Ricki Weston of Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa and Martin Blake and Michael Topp of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa who will provide the day’s cream tea.

Each chef will contribute towards a dazzling three-course meal, with two chefs taking on the same course to provide a unique twist to the day’s service. The event will begin with a Taittinger Champagne and canapé reception on the lawns of the prestigious Beaufort Polo Club before lunch is prepared. Grandstand seats will be reserved for guests to watch the exhilarating polo before the day ends with an afternoon cream tea prepared by newcomers to the event, Martin Blake and Michael Topp. Guests will also have the chance to join the prize draw and auctions to get their hands on exclusive experiences and overnight stays, with all proceeds being donated to our good work.

This will be our twelfth South West Polo Day which was last held pre-pandemic in September 2019. Alongside headline sponsors Journey Hospitality, the day is supported by Hatch Mansfield, Total Produce and Jongor Hire amongst others. The funds raised will be distributed to those in the hospitality industry on the brink of poverty or suffering from poor

mental health due to the skyrocketing cost of living crisis. So far this year we've seen a 12% increase in applications received compared to the corresponding period in 2022 and a 67% increase on the same period in 2021.

Simon Bullingham, Founder and CEO of Journey Hospitality said, "We're very proud to be sponsoring the Hospitality Action Polo Day. The event is a great opportunity to celebrate our industry and raise funds for an important cause. As part of our ongoing commitment to support the hospitality industry, Journey has also pledged to donate £0.50 from every table booking on our onejourney® ecommerce platform to raise support for some of the most vulnerable people in our industry."

Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, said: “Since 2009 the Polo Day has been the crowning glory of our events programme. We are thrilled to return to Beaufort Polo Club after so long, and we expect the event to sell out in record time. The day is a real team effort and brings together the best of South West hospitality. I am extremely grateful to all those who have lent a hand and consistently make the Polo such a tremendous success. Needless to say, we are all very much looking forward to September 3^rd”.

Tickets are limited and cost £130 per person or £1,300 for a table of 10, click here to book yours.  

Calcot & Spa and Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa have a limited number of rooms at a discounted rate for this event.

To find out more about our upcoming events visit: www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/events