Top chefs Tom Aikens, Isaac McHale and Andrew Wong are joining forces to promote the very best of British culinary excellence at the GREAT Festival of Innovation, taking place in Hong Kong at the end of March.
The trio will be wowing guests with a selection of dishes during dinners and showcases taking place over the four-day Festival – created by the Government’s Department of International Trade to build and deepen ties between the UK and Asia. During the event they will use British produce to underline its quality, while also promoting the opportunities that exist in Asia for UK suppliers.
Aikens, who operates two restaurants in Hong Kong – The Pawn and The Fat Pig – said the GREAT Festival of Innovation offered exporters the chance to capitalise on the growing prosperity of China and wider Asian markets.
Aikens explained:
“There’s two sides to the British story – it starts with what you’d call the ‘classic’ food – the sausage and mash, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips – which the locals just love. And then there is the more modern approach to British food which is lighter and more detailed using our produce.
“The opportunities for British suppliers are very good. Fish, shellfish, lamb, beef, pork and chicken are all in demand and you can pretty much guarantee you can get the best from Britain.
“From a chef’s perspective, being able to use British products, and make a show of it on the menu, is a great thing because we are known for our quality. There is a fascination about what Britain stands for, whether that’s fashion, design or food. What we have to offer as a nation to the people of Hong Kong is something they are intrigued about simply because we are always pushing the boundaries.”
The chefs will be joined in Hong Kong by several hundred of the UK’s most creative businesses and institutions will join them between 21 and 24 March 2018.
Tom AikensNotable names include HSBC UK CEO Ian Stuart, Paul Thompson, vice-chancellor of the Royal College of Art, and Paul Priestman, director, PriestmanGoode, as well as further keynote speakers and panellists in 60 events across four days. Entrepreneur Brent Hoberman, former GCHQ director Robert Hannigan and Tea Uglow from Google’s Creative Labs will also feature on the line up.
The festival will see firms at the cutting edge showcasing their expertise, raising their profile among global investors and in Asian markets. Speakers, panellists and masterclass participants include leaders of globally recognised businesses, cultural institutions, sports events and media commentators.
As part of the UK Government’s successful GREAT Britain campaign, the Festival will be split over four days to examine how innovation and technology can change the way we work, live, play and learn in the future.
Marking the countdown, International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, highlighted that the Festival would give new and existing exporters the opportunity to further strengthen the UK’s reputation as a trading nation that is one of the best places to do business.
International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox said:
“In 50 days the Great Festival of Innovation will bring together the best entrepreneurs and the most advanced technology from across the UK and Asia to explore how we will work, live, play and learn in the future.
“Led by my international economic department, this festival will be a major showcase for our talent, creativity and design on the world stage. From smart robots and cities to autonomous vehicles, the UK is already a global technology hub and the festival will help secure that position for generations to come.”
Some of the world’s top entrepreneurs, industrialists and leaders in the arts and sport have already been confirmed as speakers, with more yet to be announced. Each day will feature lively panel debates, keynote speaker sessions and business demonstrations. Events are supported by a comprehensive cultural programme bringing to life the best of the UK’s creative scene, from food to fashion shows.
For more information click here follow the hashtag #GREATinnovation.