Only A Pavement Away raises £3,000 through Tom Aikens cookery challenge initiative

The challenge, which was launched following the Coronavirus lockdown to support those working in the industry whose livelihoods have been shattered as a result of the pandemic, calls on participants to cook a meal in five minutes; donate £5 to the Hospitality Against Homelessness campaign; nominate five friends to pass on the challenge; and share their videos to social media.

Following its launch, the challenge has seen the involvement of several well-known chefs and restaurateurs including Michelin-starred chef and Gascon Connection group co-owner Pascal Aussignac, and Sartoria Mayfair chef patron Francesco Mazzei.

Former MEP and British Beer and Pub Association CEO Emma McClarkin is the latest high-profile industry figure to ‘accept’ the challenge and pledge their support.

Following on from the success of the challenge, Only A Pavement Away has chosen to launch the Tom Aikens Charity Cookery Challenge cookbook, which will feature a selection of recipes submitted for the challenge from chefs to the everyday consumer.

The cookbook will be made available to Only A Pavement Away members for free, and will be available to purchase for a small donation to the charity for non-members in the coming months.

“It’s brilliant to see how popular the Cookery Challenge has become and it’s been a real treat to see the unique dishes that have been created in response to the brief," says Aikens.

"The Cookery Challenge is fundamentally about having fun in the kitchen, while supporting a fantastic cause at the same time to help those in the hospitality industry who are now struggling to make ends meet as a result of Covid-19.

"I can’t wait to see more entries come in over the next few weeks and to continue working closely alongside Only A Pavement Away once the Covid-19 pandemic has passed.”

To take part in the Tom Aikens Charity Cookery Challenge, or to find out more about Only A Pavement Away, click here​​.