Culinary Ability Awards | Chris Sandford

The Culinary Ability Awards is calling on independent restaurants across the UK to offer up places in their kitchens and dining rooms, giving individuals with disabilities the chance to showcase their skills.

Culinary ability awardsThe not-for profit social enterprise recently piloted its independent takeover fundraiser at the Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery restaurant in Glasgow. Three chefs and four front-of-house staff with disabilities were invited to work alongside the existing team, with guests providing payment for their meals in the form of donations. The night proved to be such a success – catering for 50 covers on a traditionally less busy weekday evening – and is now exploring ways to integrate the young charges into their day-to-day operation.

Commercial Director for Two Fat Ladies, Gavin Cuthbertson, said: “The participants were absolutely outstanding on the night; the food and service was excellent. We had guests from hotels, restaurants and colleges alongside regulars. It was a fantastic way of giving back to the community.

“We raised a lot for a great cause, but it’s not just about the money, it’s about giving people with disabilities the opportunity to show that they can thrive in hospitality and change perceptions. For one night they absolutely ran the show, we were simply the support act.”

Culinary Ability Awards founder and chef, Chris Sandford, commented:"Thank you to Gavin and the team at Two Fat Ladies for letting the Culinary Ability Awards take over The Buttery for a night. What he, his team and the gathered diners experienced was something I see day-in-day-out from these inspirational characters – hard work, skill, dedication and a desire to simply be one of the team. I’m absolutely delighted, therefore, that Two Fat Ladies are looking at ways to work with them long-term.”

Chris and his team are now looking for independent restaurants across the UK where they can hold similar fundraising events and continue to champion disability in the hospitality industry.

Chris continued: “This is just the beginning for us – our long term goal is to raise funds to become an official training provider and create pathways that make it much easier for people with disabilities to work in the industry. We’re calling on UK restaurants to let us take over the running of the establishment for one night. Giving people a chance is one of the greatest aspects of hospitality – the Glasgow event proved that doing this doesn’t just help populate the dining room on a quieter night, it creates a noise in the local community and means so much more to everyone involved.”

Those restaurants looking to work with The Culinary Ability Awards can contact [email protected]

Alternatively, if you aren’t a restaurateur, you can still donate by going to http://www.culinaryabilityawards.com/join-in/

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