Leading support throughout the evening was Brasserie Joël’s Head Chef Walter Ishizuka. Sponsors for the evening included Freedown Food, Sapori D’Italia and Design Restaurants, with prize donors including Condé Nast Johansens and Galvin Bistrot de Luxe. Guests in attendance included top charity supporters Cyrus Todiwala, Paul Heathcote and Anton Eldeman.

Lanlard said: "I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to take part in this festive celebration on behalf of Hospitality Action. Simon, Nathan and I all know first-hand how demanding Christmas can be and I am really pleased that we have been able to give something back to a cause that is so close to all of our hearts."

The charity is also holding its annual Christmas online auction this week, with prizes including a three-course lunch for two people at London’s The River Café and an array of Ed’s Easy Diner gifts and memorabilia.

The auction closes on Friday 5th December at 2pm. To bid on the auction simply visit http://www.32auctions.com/HAChristmasAuction14 - for more information about Hospitality Action visit the website www.hospitalityaction.org.uk