Chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals descended on Porthleven for the Kota Kai Big Brunch, hosted by the Chefs’ Forum, to raise money for industry charity, Hospitality Action.

Featuring a menu devised by Kota Kai proprietor and Great British Menu South West finalist Jude Kereama, dishes were prepared by chefs from fellow Porthleven eateries Kota, Amelies, Rick Steins, The Square and The Ship Inn, assisted by students from Truro and Penwith College, Cornwall College and HIT Training.

Jude said: “Today’s been a great day, with a fantastic turnout despite the Cornish weather. It’s been brilliant to work with the Chefs’ Forum and put on a great show for the rest of the industry, with everyone getting involved.”

Zachary Donovan, 18, from Helston and studying a catering VRQ level three qualification at Cornwall College Camborne, said: “I’ve really enjoyed today, making connections and networking with professional chefs. It’s worked out really well for me too, as I’ve been asked to chat with one of the head chefs afterwards.”

Amelia Sawyers, 19 from Hayle and studying a professional cookery level three qualification at Truro and Penwith College, added: “I’ve loved being able to network and mingle with people working in the industry I want to get into, and it’s been really interesting to see how events like this are organised and run, so today has been a great experience for me.”

Combining networking opportunities with a mini trade exhibition and a wine tasting session run by WSET and Ellis Wharton Wines, the event also included a cookery masterclass from Jude, who demonstrated some of his favourite dishes using the finest local produce.

The event also garnered plenty of support from the local community, with Porthleven Gig Club, Porthleven BID and Porthleven Village Hall donating electricity, gazebos and seating for the day, set up by staff from Nauti But Ice Café.

In total, the event raised over £900 for Hospitality Action, which will now be used to support chefs and anyone who works in the industry who finds themselves in crisis, by providing grants, counselling and coaching or signposting them to other sources of support they may need.

Catherine Farinha, founder of the Chefs’ Forum, said: “It’s been a great day; it’s shown how the industry can come together to raise vital funds for chefs that have fallen on hard times, supporting the next generation and each other.”

Ellie Gressett, EAP business development manager at Hospitality Action, said: “Today’s been a fantastic success and it’s been great to see everyone pull together, including the local restaurants and even the public, to show their support, so I’d just like to thank everyone that came and gave so generously.”