City hospital charity and Michelin Star chefs host fine-dining event

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity teamed up with local Michelin Star chefs alongside stars of The Great British Menu and BBC MasterChef Professionals to host a charity fine-dining experience at University College Birmingham.

The Great Brummie Menu event, held on 21 May, was supported by former chef Matt Davies and raised an incredible £14,755 which will go towards Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity and Hospitality Action.

Matt suffered severe burns and lost the use of his arm nearly seven years ago and was treated by Burns and Plastics Surgeon, Colonel Mark Foster at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Matt said: “Colonel Mark Foster has been with me through this journey for nearly seven years and over 60 operations.

“I am hugely indebted to him and the incredible team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today. Working with the hospital charity I have been able to raise money to help others going through their treatment journey.”

The Great Brummie Menu saw some of Birmingham’s most exciting chefs prepare a six course tasting menu.

Michelin Star chefs cooking on the night included: Luke Tipping from Simpsons, Adam Bennett from The Cross (Warwickshire) and Jonathan Howe from Lumiere (Gloucestershire), joined by The Great British Menu star, Thom Bateman The Flintock (North Staffordshire) and BBC Masterchef Professionals Champion, Louisa Ellis.

The evening also included a charity auction and wine flight with each course generously provided by Arch 13 at Connollys.

Michelin Star chef, Jonathon Howe said: “Matt has always been a figure who gives back and does everything he can to support the hospitality industry, and being part of this event is our way of supporting him and what he has been through.”

Michelin Star chef, Luke Tipping added, “What has happened to Matt and how he has coped with his injuries really resonates with me. By taking part in this event I have helped the charities Matt is passionate about and I am so honoured to be able to give something back and support such a fantastic man.”

Students on the Culinary Arts Management and Professional Chef degree programmes from University College Birmingham were invited to assist the chefs at the event.

Lewis Walker from University College Birmingham said, “We are incredibly proud and honoured to have been part of such a fantastic charity event. It’s been a brilliant opportunity for our students to learn from some of the county’s most exciting chefs.”

Click here for more information about Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.  

Pictured from left to right: Matt Shropshall, Louisa Ellis, Jonathan Howe, Matt Davies, Thom Bateman, Adam Bennett and Luke Tipping