Peter Kay is consultant to the Ark Foundation, the charity devoted to providing awareness of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse within the hospitality industry. He spoke to Kerstin Kühn about a charity dinner taking place next week
Caterer What's the dinner in aid of?
Peter Kay We've organised it to raise awareness and funds for the Ark Foundation, which is an offshoot of industry charity Hospitality Action. It's taking place at South Downs College in Hampshire next Wednesday (25 February).
Caterer Who will be cooking?
PK We have five chefs, with 10 Michelin stars between them, cooking on the night. John Campbell (the Vineyard at Stockcross) is making the canapés and the main course, while Philip Howard (the Square) is creating the first course. We've got Marcus Wareing cooking the fish course, Angela Hartnett (Murano) preparing the cheese course, and Heston Blumenthal (the Fat Duck) creating the dessert and petits fours.
Caterer What's their involvement with the Ark Foundation?
PK In my career as a chef I have cooked with many of these top chefs and some of them have become my friends. When I asked them to get involved none hesitated for even a second - they all jumped at the chance. Most of them are providing the food at their own cost, and all wine for the evening has been donated by Pierre-Loup Decam. The support these people have provided, especially considering these tough economic times, really epitomises how much good there is in our industry.
Caterer What else can diners expect of the evening?
PK Diners will have the opportunity to meet all the chefs and there will also be a charity auction with some great prizes. Jamie Oliver has donated some signed cookbooks and a table at his Fifteen restaurant in London. In my capacity as chief executive of the Sporting Chance charity, I have invited former footballers Tony Adams and Lee Dixon and Newcastle's Joey Barton, who will donate some football tickets.
Caterer Why is it important to address the issue of alcohol and drug abuse in the hospitality industry?
PK The hospitality industry, like any other, has problems related to addiction, and prior to Michael Quinn founding the Ark Foundation in 2001, there was nothing to educate or support addicts in our industry. Last year the Ark Foundation's speakers reached more than 10,000 students at catering colleges across the UK.
Caterer Is the hospitality industry affected more than other sectors?
PK I am a recovering addict and alcoholic, and in the last 17 years of working with other addicts I have met people from all walks of life with addiction problems. It doesn't matter whether you earn £65,000 a week or £16,000 a year, addiction can affect anyone. However, the hospitality industry has a higher propensity due to the hours, stresses and pressures of the job.