Rumble in the Kitchen, a charity white-collar boxing match, was held at the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall on 20 September. 22 chefs and personalities from the hospitality world stepped in the ring to raise funds and awareness for charitable into-work programme for young people, Galvin’s Chance.
Wareing vs Sirieix
Two Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur Marcus Wareing, of Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley and The Gilbert Scott lived up to his boxing name ‘The Hitman’ and showed his mettle by beating Fred ‘Sugar Fred, the Stinger’ Sirieix – sponsored by Tate and Lyle Sugars – in one of the hardest fought bouts of the night.
Wareing, who was cheered on by his family, appeared on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen on 30th June and talked about his involvement in the event:
“It’s great to feel young again doing something like this! There’s been a lot of nervousness in the lead up to tonight. Rumble in the Kitchen has been one of the best charity events I’ve done. It’s been a great experience and in aid of a wonderful cause”.
Rumble in the Kitchen was the brainchild of Sirieix, a keen amateur boxer. Sirieix, General Manager at Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows and co-Patron of the Galvin’s Chance programme said on Twitter:
“Marcus was the better man on the day, but I GOT HIS NUMBER!”
Hatchet Galetti takes on Mighty Mallory
Monica ‘The Hatchet’ Galetti prevailed over Penny ‘The Mighty’ Mallory, while Will ‘Mad Dog’ Holland was the victor over Matt ‘The Loose Cannon’ Wilkin.
Michel Roux Jr, who was supporting Galetti, his senior sous-chef at Le Gavroche, said:
“They’ve all been brilliant – I don’t envy anyone going three rounds with Monica!”
Chef Roux and Chef Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons were among 220 guests watching the matches while their restaurant teams served up some of the best Michelin-starred food alongside the kitchens of the Bar Boulud, The Ledbury, Galvin Restaurants and the Royal Automobile Club.
Hosting the evening was Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster and BBC Radio 4’s Nigel Barden. Special appearances included World boxing champion David Haye with his trainer Adam Booth. Clinton McKenzie, former British light welterweight champion was present to cheer on the boxers, whom he has spent time training over the last few months. Other celebrities from the world of sport included former England footballer Graeme Le Saux, and current English Rugby stars James Haskell and Paul Doran Jones.
£55,000 raised so far
This special event, which so far has raised over £55,000 net, was staged in aid of Galvin’s Chance, Hilton in the Community Foundation’s charitable programme, aimed at giving young people ‘at risk’ the opportunity to train and work front of house in some of London’s finest restaurants and hotels. Last week a graduation ceremony was held to celebrate 14 young people who have overcome barriers, including previous convictions, to secure ongoing employment in the hospitality industry as a result of the project. Galvin’s Chance is delivered in partnership with The Springboard Charity and Westminster Kingsway College and a range of employers including the Royal Automobile Club, Hilton Worldwide, Galvin Restaurants, The Cinnamon Club, Park Plaza, Harrods and others.
For more information click here