Michelin-starred restaurants battle it out on the football pitch

06 July 2017

Farm Africa’s charity five-a-side football tournament, organised by Paul Foster of Salt Dining, saw some of the UK’s top chefs ditch their kitchen whites for football colours to help build a prosperous rural Africa.

London’s Portland Restaurant took the glory after beating off competition from 14 teams from across the country. The final saw the battle of the Michelin stars, with Portland beating Casamia of Bristol to be crowned victors.

The event, now in its fifth year, raised an incredible £2,265 for Farm Africa that helps farmers in eastern Africa grow more, sell more and sell for more, while protecting the environment for years to come.

“It was an amazing day, the best tournament so far”, says Paul Foster. “All the teams showed great spirit and everything went really well.” 

The event would not have been possible were it not for the incredible support of the food and restaurant industry, with raffle prizes being supplied by Belmont Hotel, Picture Restaurant, Prévost, Rundle Mill, Salt Dining,  Sipsmith Gin, Avonlea, Tuddenham Mill and Tonic Talent.

The overwhelming popularity of the tournament has given rise to plans to grow the tournament next year. 

“The level of interest in this year’s competition has been fantastic” commented Farm Africa’s Special Events Manager Danny Everett. “We’re now looking into the possibility of setting up regional competitions in the north west and the south east of England. So if there are any teams of chefs in those regions who’d like to get behind it and help us push it forward, get in touch at dannye@farmafrica.org”.

Feeling inspired? It’s not too early to register your interest in next year’s competition. You can do so by signing up on Farm Africa’s website: http://www.farmafrica.org/chefs-football or by contacting Paul Foster on Twitter (@ChefPaulFoster).