Blog. Master Innholders Cycle Ride raises more than £135,000!
September 16, 2025 | Author Giuliana Vittiglio
A team of over 35 Master Innholders and hospitality industry partners has raised more than £135,000 during this year’s Twin Cities Master Innholders Charity Cycle Ride for Hospitality Action.
The group, made up of both seasoned cyclists and enthusiastic novices, completed a challenging 370-kilometre journey over three days, finishing in Kent on Sunday 14 September.
The ride began at Taittinger’s cellars in Reims, France, and wound its way north through Cambrai and Sainte-Omer, before crossing the Channel and being warmly welcomed by Domaine Evremond on home soil.
Now in its 10th year of support, Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield once again played a pivotal role in the event’s success.
Fittingly, the ride was bookended by Taittinger hospitality and followed a route inspired by Jean Taittinger, who, during his tenure as Mayor of Reims, twinned the city with Canterbury, just a stone’s throw from Taittinger’s English vineyard in Chilham.
Additional key sponsors included Procurement Partners, who supplied the team’s branded cycling jerseys, Casna Group, and James Hallam, with further support from Gold Key Media, Rockingham Partners, and Hotel Manager.
All funds raised will be donated to Hospitality Action, helping to provide vital support to current and former hospitality professionals across the UK.
Andrew Stembridge MI IS, lead organiser and past Chair of the Master Innholders, commented:
“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved as a collective. This is the most we’ve ever raised through the cycle ride, at a time when Hospitality Action is facing unprecedented demand. The continued support from Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield is invaluable and makes this event not only unique, but truly special.”
Other participants from the Master Innholders community included Joanne Taylor-Stagg MI, general manager at Pennyhill Park, Stuart Bowery MI, general manager at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London and Grant Campbell MI IS, general manager at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square — among many others.
The team of cyclists was also presented with a cheque for the £135,000 raised upon completion of the ride on the final day, which was given by Mark Lewis, chief executive of Hospitality Action.
Sharing his appreciation, Mark Lewis said: “Our recent Taking the Temperature survey revealed that three-quarters of respondents have experienced poor mental health in adulthood, with nearly a third affected in the past year alone.
“The funds raised by the Master Innholders will make a real difference in helping us support those individuals and many more who rely on our services. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and went the distance on this demanding ride.”
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part, cycled, and helped organise this incredible challenge. The funds raised will help support hospitality people and their families across the UK who are facing physical illness, mental health struggles, addiction, bereavement, and more. If you'd like to take part in a challenge event of your own please get in touch. #WeveGotYou
