The saying goes, ‘you’re only 21 once’ and the Essential Cuisine team certainly made their Birthday one to remember, marking 21 years in business with an action-packed day and night of celebrations; the E-Stock Festival.
EC_Tw_006With preparations kept firmly under wraps until the day itself, the E-Stock festival – handily divided into Main Stage and Dance Area, exclusive VIP Tent and Meditation area – The Stock People were welcomed to the event with a glass of Prosecco served by none other than celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsey (or was it?).
Face painting and festival merchandise including flowery headbands, inflatable instruments, glow sticks, and stick on tattoos were provided, as was afternoon tea, before Motown and Soul Duet, ‘Brown en Blonde’ (‘Blonde’ being Essential’s own marketing whizz and part time crooner, Erin) serenaded the team into the early evening.
e stockWith the chefs granted the night off, and the barbecue and bar pumping out amazing food and drinks, Chef Ramsey and Essential MD, Nigel Crane, did battle in a dance-off – the quality of which can only be described as questionable.
E-Stock-High 067A winner could not be declared and deadlock was called, yet elsewhere, Sian Kelsall triumphed in the karaoke competition, while new Business Development Executive, Rob Hamilton won best solo dancer. The prize of Best Dressed was won (quite rightly) by Business Development Manager, Mark Wickens who stole the show (and it seemed the contents of a 60’s-themed fancy dress shop) with his efforts.
As the night came to a close, there was time for the team to reflect on 21 years at the top. Since 1995, Essential Cuisine have been producing outstanding stock ingredients and who would count against them thriving into the next double decade. A salute to the Stock People and a celebration of true togetherness; 21 years young.
