The slight delay in reporting the results from Lunch with the
FT 2004 has been due to the later than usual receipts of
donations at Save the Children's HQ but I am delighted to
report that these now approach £25,000 taking the
overall total since the promotion began to over half a million
pounds.
A very big thank you to all those who have donated so
consistently and so generously.
As well as the usual high level of generosity there was the
same standard of commitment in both service and value for
money from most of the restaurants taking part. One of the
most enjoyable aspects of running this promotion, second only
to receiving readers' letters and emails after they have had
an enjoyable FT meal, are the shouts of joy when I phone the
winning restaurants with the news that they have been voted
top in their particular price category.
The winners this year are:
£15 Hambleton Hall, Hambleton, Rutland 01572-756991.
£12.50 The Priory Hotel, Wareham, Dorset, 01929-551666.
£10 Hallidays Restaurant, Chichester, Sussex, 01243-575331,
£8 Perkins Restaurant & Bar, Plumtree, Nottinghamshire, 01159-373695.
My congratulations to their combined management, kitchen
brigades and waiting staff who obviously gave so much pleasure
and to all those readers who completed so many questionnaires.
Finally, a comment from Ruth Rogers whose River Cafe
delighted so many FT customers. "We will never ever not do the
FT lunch. It's a great lesson for all our young chefs and we
love the extra business!"
Roll on Lunch with the FT 2005.