The mammoth charity food event Too Many Critics returns next month as restaurant writers put down their pens and pick up their ladles to cook for the unwitting public.
Established by industry legends Bill Knott and the late Standard columnist Charles Campion more than 20 years ago, the showcase is put on each year to support Action Against Hunger, a humanitarian organisation that helps to feed those in need.
This year, Too Many Critics will take place at Roe in Canary Wharf, with the Standard’s restaurant critic David Ellis returning for a third time, joining a line-up including Tom Parker Bowles (Mail on Sunday), Hannah Twiggs (Independent) and Kate Krader (Bloomberg). Alongside them will be Leonie Cooper (Time Out), CODE and The Good Food Guide publisher Adam Hyman and Molly Codyre (Foodism).
For one night only, the merry band of kitchen novices will prepare a four-course dinner for a room full of guests and a host of chefs-turned-judges, with The Devonshire’s Ashley Palmer-Watts and Shaun Searley of the Quality Chop House on the bill.
The critics will be tasked with cooking dishes from Roe and its sister site Fallow St. James’s, though what they are remains a secret until service.
There will also be a silent auction with prizes on offer including wine tours, dining experiences, and luxury getaways. The likes of Moor Hall, Wildflowers, Sesta and the Palmerston have contributed dinners in support.
Last year’s event raised more than £145,000 for Action Against Hunger, supporting its work providing food, water, and other life-saving equipment to people in more than 50 countries.
The charity supports more than 28 million people every year and also works with local partners to address the root causes of hunger, supporting community-led food and wellbeing hubs, school food initiatives, and research to shape long-term solutions.
Tickets are priced at £250 per person and will include a four-course meal with matching wines from Liberty Wines, as well as a Taittinger Champagne reception with canapes.
Tickets are on sale now via the Action Against Hunger website
