Sophie Roberts-Brown, Executive Director at The Academy of Food & Wine Service commented on the evening: "We achieved over a 100% uplift on the amount of money raised last year. It was truly a phenomenal evening. However, this wouldn't have been possible without the support of our sponsors; the amazing auction which included lots donated by Silverseas Cruises, Bovey Castle and Rocco Forte hotels; table prizes; our wine sponsors; and the marvellous Champagne Moutard. "This year's event not only saw a record amount of money being raised, but also saw us launch our patron scheme where we indoctrinated our 11 patrons into our L'Academie de Lanson NRD Hall of Fame. Our first patrons include Roy Ackerman CBE, Sir Rocco Forte, Lee Cash, Julia Hands, Mike Sunley, Robyn Jones OBE, Ramon Pajares OBE, Michael Druitt, Patrick Gwynn-Jones MBE, Olga Polizzi CBE and Richard Shepherd CBE." For the last 25 years the National Restaurateurs' Dinner has raised vital funds to help maintain the profile and esteem of the industry both front and back of house through training and educational programmes.