The Caterer Blog

A strong performance - that was the general verdict from the 300 diners at London's Dorchester Hotel who watched Compass Group UK managing director Ian El-Mokadem grappling with Alastair Stewart's questions at today's Arena lunch.

Elmo, as he's known in business circles, had a few factors against him - not least the fact that most of the audience owned up to having worked for Compass at some time, so of course knew exactly how they would run the catering giant.

But despite that, El-Mokadem put in a confident performance after almost a year in the job.

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, Morecombe & Wise, Chris & Jeff Galvin, the Krankies.

Yes history is replete with great double acts and after watching our latest Caterer video of Leon co-founders John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby I believe I have witnessed another.

Yes, John and Henry were on fine form (note for the purpose of this gag I am excluding Leon's third founder Allegra McEvedy who was one of the hospitality few recognised in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours) at the latest Arena lunch at London's Landmark hotel on Monday (23 June).

Speaking to John in a follow up interview, I asked how he'd found taking the stage in front of an audience of industry peers. He said although nervous he'd written a script to get him and Henry through.

However, as with all good double-acts there always has to be a bit of one-upmanship, and the opportunity to stitch your partner up like a kipper must always be taken.

In this case it most certainly was when Henry apparently nicked the best bits from the prepared script and left Johh scrambling around - in his head - for something to say.

Well, what are business partners for after all?

No news yet on whether John is considering hiring the other Leon to do a bit of boardroom "cleaning" at the healthy fast food chain.

Chris and Jeff Galvin to sign deal in the City>>