Fine Wine Auction raises £350,000 for Action Against Hunger

On Saturday night, 2 November, celebrities and chefs descended on 1 Lombard Street for Action Against Hunger’s annual gala dinner and fine wine auction.

Hosted by Mariella Frostrup, guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet by acclaimed chefs Monica Galetti (Mere), Nieves Barragan Mohacho (Sabor), Neil Borthwick (The French House) and Jeremy Lee (Quo Vadis).

Amongst the attendees were Mark Hix, Noelle Reno, Game of Thrones actor Laura Pradelska, chef Angela Hartnett and John Illsley of Dire Straits.

Alongside fine wines and vineyard experiences, attendees also bid on art by leading artists including Bridget Riley and Keith Coventry, as well as unique dining experiences including dinner for 8 at Ken Hom’s South of France home, cooked by Ken Hom and Angela Hartnett.

The event, which was the brainchild hotelier Robin Hutson and food critic Bill Knott, has been running for 13 years and has raised more than £3 million to date.

Commenting at the event, Jean-Michel Grand, Executive Director of Action Against Hunger UK, said:

“What started as a discussion over a pint between Robin (Hutson) and Bill (Knott), has grown into our most successful fundraising night.

“None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the incredible support we receive from the hospitality sector and all the chefs, artists and industry professionals who have donated their time, expertise and prizes to create this stellar event.

“The money raised this evening will mean that thousands of children win their battle with life-threatening hunger.”

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Action Against Hunger’s programmes across the world. Operational in 47 countries, last year Action Against Hunger supported more than 21 million people around the world.

This year, for the third consecutive year, global hunger levels rose. Today, more than a quarter of the world’s population -2 billion people- do not have safe and secure access to food.