The sixth annual UKH Restaurant Association Gala Dinner took place at The Savoy Hotel in the heart of London, organised by World Young Chef Young Waiter, in association with UKHospitality in partnership with title sponsor NEFT Vodka. This prestigious event, in aid of World YCYW, brought together leading hospitality figures for a special celebration dinner.
President of the Restaurant Association & Chairman of Young Chef Young Waiter Robert Walton MBE hosted the event alongside speakers, including Kate Nicholls CEO of UKHospitality. The 2023 Restaurant Association Award for Services to Hospitality, designed and sponsored by Fabergé, was presented by Sarah Fabergé to the esteemed Cyrus Todiwala. Todiwala received the honour alongside a pair of stunning Fabergé cufflinks. This year the RA Gala raised £30,000 for the World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist.
The evening started with welcome drinks followed by dinner and the event also featured entertainment and an Auction to raise funds for WYCYW. Guests indulged in a delicious 3-course meal accompanied by Terra Remota Wines, Champagne by Champagne PIAFF and Caviar by Kings London Caviar. Guests also enjoyed NEFT Vodka and Aphrodise at the reception. It was also an honour to have Damian Flood, an accomplished singer and pianist, delivering a mesmerizing performance. The celebrations continued at Adam Handling's EVE Bar in London for an unforgettable after-party.
The RA Gala Dinner is a highlight of the UK hospitality calendar as it celebrates hospitality and is a platform for reflection. This year, over 250 esteemed guests gathered to celebrate the successes of World YCYW 2023 including Brian Turner CBE, Matt Goss, Adam Handling, Andy Downton, Simon King, Jack Croft, Sanjay Dwivedi, Jeff Galvin, Chris Galvin, Jack Croft, Galton Blackiston, Chris Tanner, James Tanner, Tom De Keyser, Adam Bateman, Adam Byatt, Roy Ner, Simon Attridge, John Williams MBE, Cyrus Todiwala OBE, Pervin Todiwala, Michael Kwan and Mario Perera.
The Restaurant Association Gala will return in November 2024 for another sparkling hospitality celebration.