Any time, any place, anywhere...
Chef's tables, where diners eat in the kitchen in full view of the kitchen brigade, are becoming all the rage around the world. But one eminent guest at last week's illustrious Catey Winners Ball held at London's Dorchester hotel told us the concept of dining in unusual places had been slow to take off in the UK. He has organised dinners for clients in some extraordinary places - including a garage (for a luxury car manufacturer) and an engine room (for an engineering company). "The trend will soon hit London and we'll be holding functions on rooftops, in gardens and anywhere else for that matter," he said. More venue suggestions on a postcard, please!
I'd like to say a few words... er, that's it
Guests thought they were in for a long speech on tourism from British Hospitality Association chief executive Bob Cotton when he got up to speak. He had intended, he told the gathering of past Catey winners, to talk about tourism for at least half an hour and the funding that tourism receives, particularly England. "So that's the end of my speech," he said. Say no more.
No kidding, it's Kidman
A couple of delighted guests spotted Nicole Kidman sitting in the Dorchester's impressive Promenade. Subtle visits to the ladies' via the Promenade were made in a bid to spot the Australian actress who, we were reliably informed, looked stunning. It's a good job, then, that the Dorchester kept its Promenade. Plans were mooted at one stage to transform the whole of the ground floor into one large function room, although the idea was soon abandoned. After all, where else would celebs have the chance to hang out so we can see them!
Ask, and it shall be given
Chef Anton Edelmann was asking us what Kit Chapman's Brazz restaurants are like, when editor Forbes Mutch announced another winning tombola ticket. Lo and behold, Anton's number was called. And his prize? You've guessed it... a three-course lunch for two at Brazz Bristol or Brazz Exeter. Your wish is our command, Anton!
Harome from home
As the tombola was drawing to a close, guests on table 27 began to realise their chances of winning were waning. But in the nick of time, two-times Catey winner Andrew Radford's ticket was drawn. The Scottish restaurateur graciously accepted his prize of dinner and an overnight stay at the Star Inn at Harome, Yorkshire, and returned to his seat, oddly enough next to three-times Catey winner Andrew Pern... yup, he's the proprietor of the Star Inn at Harome. Pern, who hadn't touched a drop all night (yeah, right), then very generously signed a pledge to host the entire table and their families on the same weekend. Looking forward to it already, Andrew.