South West chefs to unite for charity polo day

On Sunday 3 September, some of the country’s most revered chefs will return to Beaufort Polo Club, Gloucestershire, after a four-year hiatus, to cook up a storm at the Hospitality Action 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: Hywel Jones of the Michelin-starred Lucknam Park, Rob Potter of the Michelin-starred 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 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 Beaufort Polo Club before lunch is prepared. Grandstand seats will be reserved for guests to watch the polo, with the day culminating in an afternoon cream tea. Guests will also have the chance to join the prize draw and auctions to win exclusive experiences and overnight stays, with all proceeds being donated to Hospitality Action.

This will be Hospitality Action’s 12th 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, among 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 cost of living crisis. So far this year, Hospitality Action has seen a 12% increase in applications received compared to the corresponding period in 2022 and a 67% increase on the same period in 2021.

Mark Lewis, chief executive of Hospitality Action, says: "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 3rd."

Tickets for the Polo Day at Beaufort Polo Club are limited and cost £130 per person or £1,300 for a table of 10 and are available from the Hospitality Action website.

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