Well this was the big one – the annual Charity Fundraiser for St Wilfred’s Hospice and 275 mouths to feed!

This year the marquee was next to their new premises in Eastbourne, which was ideal for us being based just down the road in Pevensey.

layered terrine

After the success of the fresh crab last year the organisers were adamant it must feature again. Perfect for summer dining by the sea (despite the torrential rain last year – and a little of the same this year!).

Chef Ben worked closely with the organisers to come up with an interesting and current menu, but with an eye on what we can do in a short space of time and for so many people, as well as offering them a choice (which thankfully was pre-ordered!).

Mainly attracting a corporate crowd with a view to raising as much money as possible the whole event needs to run to time, and not encroach too much on peoples’ day, so it’s no mean feat to get everyone fed and watered in the time frame given.

3-Bird Ballotine

The menu this year was truly special and judging by the plates that came back, the guests thought so too. For starters was a layered Terrine of roasted Red Pepper, Beetroot & Watercress or a ‘Weeping Tiger’ Thai Salad.

For main it was the fresh dressed Crab or the 3-bird Ballotine – made from Chicken, Duck and Guinea Fowl. Not the sort of thing you knock up at home that’s for sure!

The dessert was a triumph too with a trio of mini sweet treats consisting of a fresh Summer Berry Tart, an iced Baileys Parfait and a warm Chocolate Sponge with a rich dark Chocolate Sauce.

With help from 30 or so local college students each course went out in just 15 minutes – they really pulled it out the bag.

With a raffle and various other goings-on the whole day was clearly a success as they raised a whopping 52K! Unbelievable in a matter of only a few hours. It certainly made all of the hours of hard graft well worth it when we heard that, not to mention all the amazing feedback we’ve had about the food.

Great day all round.