Acclaimed Chef Paul Askew to create exclusive menu for Foundation of Light Gala Awards Dinner

Renowned chef and Foundation of Light ambassador, Paul Askew, will curate an exclusive menu as the charity celebrates 25 years of transforming lives at its Gala Awards Dinner.

The official charity of Sunderland AFC will showcase the achievements and inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed through its programmes at the Beacon of Light on Friday 2 October.

To mark the milestone, Sunderland-born chef and Foundation of Light ambassador Paul Askew has created a bespoke fine-dining menu for guests to ensure it will be a night to remember. Paul is the current President of the Disciples of Escoffier UK and a fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

Chef Patron and owner of acclaimed Liverpool restaurant The Art School, Paul moved to Merseyside at the age of four, but he has maintained strong ties to his hometown and proudly supports the Foundation's work across Sunderland and the North East.

One of the UK's leading chefs, Paul spent his early career living and working in New York, Dubai and Singapore before returning to Liverpool, where he helped shape the city's modern dining scene.

Having featured on Saturday Kitchen, Great British Menu and being a regular guest chef on Sunday Brunch, he ranks cooking for the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip amongst his career highlights, closely followed by the G7 gathering in Liverpool, the prestigious Turner Prize and has a restaurant residency at the Randox Grand National meet for The Jockey Club.

Guests attending the Foundation of Light Gala Awards Dinner will enjoy a menu inspired by Sunderland AFC's venture into the Europa League. Blending European flavours with a Mackem touch, the focus will firmly centre on the spirit of regeneration and emerging optimism in the resurgence of Sunderland’s fortunes.

The dishes will include nods to Black Cats Head Coach Régis Le Bris and the team's late-goal habit, inspired by the clubs 'Til The End’ mantra alongside the best seasonal offerings from local suppliers and producers.

Speaking about creating the menu, Paul said: “It is such an honour to be of the celebrations surrounding the 25th Anniversary of the Foundation. As a chef and supporter, I wanted to celebrate the achievements of the team and, of course, show appreciation of the amazing work being done by the Charity that makes such a difference to so many”

The event will close with a show-stopping performance from the SoundHouse Band, a collective of some of the UK’s finest musicians.

To secure your place at the Gala Awards Dinner and support the Foundation of Light’s ongoing work, please contact michael.duell@foundationoflight.co.uk