Burnt Chef hosts second gala dinner

More than 360 people from across the hospitality profession came together to celebrate, recognise success and highlight the importance of good mental health at The Burnt Chef Project's second gala dinner.

The event, titled Love Hospitality, took place on the first night of the recent Hotel, Restaurant and Catering show, boosting awareness of the industry's mental health crisis and raising thousands of pounds in the process. The dinner, delivered in partnership with Unox, was hosted by writer and comedian Russell Kane.

Celebrating some of the sector's incredible talent, Love Hospitality also hosted the first Hospitality's Mental Health Heroes Awards, in association with Talent Hive. 

With six categories, the awards were the pinnacle of the night, recognising those who have championed mental health in the workplace. The winners were:

Best Mental Health in the Workplace Strategy, sponsored by MHFA England – Marston's PLC
Inspirational Story, sponsored by Thomas Franks – Jose Jesus Monteiro
Most Inspiring Leader, sponsored by Wafflemeister – Carly Heath, Bristol City Council
Most Inspiring Wellbeing Champion, sponsored by Planday – Joe Bentley, Cedar Court
Outstanding Impact in Catering Education, sponsored by Lordwell – Simon Hart, Southampton City College
Unsung Hero, sponsored by Eat PR & Marketing – Simon Green, The Kitchen Shrink

Scott Duncan, managing director of Unox, said: "Love Hospitality was truly a fitting way to celebrate some of the most incredible people who work in our wonderful sector, providing a platform to discuss the need for improved mental health support and raise much-needed funds to support the work of The Burnt Chef Project."

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