Wednesday 26 June 2013

Wow - we're in such great company!

Head Chef James & Sous Chef Adam with their paper that says proud to be supporting EJC
I thought as I sit here working and listening to Michael Buble  (have I mentioned I'm going to the O2 in a fortnight to see him, oh yes, maybe a dozen times!!) I thought I would write and tell you all about the work we've been doing with the  Environmental Justice Campaign.

We've been taking part in this campaign for the last month, so let me take a few minutes to tell you what it's about;
Throughout June, and in celebration of World Ocean’s Day on 8th June, ourselves and many other VERY prestigious Restaurants have been offering our  diners the opportunity to engage with the campaign through a £1, €1 or 10HKD donation, raising essential funds for a new surveillance vessel to help stop the pirates in some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable nations, eradicating illegal fishing that is decimating marine environments.

We were approached by Paul Davies the Events Manager to see if we would like to take part in this. To be honest, we didn't think twice about saying yes. We know how much we rely on fish in our Pub (particularly in the summer where I think the fish contribution to the menu is around 70%) and whilst we endeavour to obtain all our fish locally, we are keen to show our commitment to sustainability worldwise. So it was a real thrill to be asked to take part in this.

A £1 donation has been added to diners eating with us and it's been quite warmly received by our customers. Yes, there have been a few who have declined from giving £1 but it is absolutely down to personal choice and we have put no pressure on guests - I may well have muttered privately mind you! It's also relied upon staff putting the £1 on the bill...............!!!  Anyway, some days it's only been a few pounds, but others it's been really good - so I'm hoping at the end of the month we'll be able to write a handsome cheque.

So just who are some of the other establishments taking part in the UK?? Well how about Viajante in London (look it up - its fab!) Tom Aikens restaurant (sigh.....) and Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond.  As well as many other fantastic UK restaurants and also in Hong Kong and France!!

We hope if you are one of our customers and YOU donated, you realise what a great cause you gave to - you may just have helped make a difference to our Sea's sustainability! Thank you!!

If you want to know even more, here is the EJC website;
http://www.ejfoundation.org/oceans/restaurantcampaign

Liz X

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