MORE than £11,000 was raised in aid of Unicef UK and the #CookforSyria campaign at the Abergavenny Food Festival.

The charity dinner, which took place in the castle grounds, was organised by Belazu Ingredient Company, and consisted of a six course tasting menu cooked by a variety of guest chefs.

The chefs included Yotam Ottolenghi’s group development chef, Calvin von Niebel; the Modern Pantry’s chef and owner, Anna Hansen; Elly Curshen, author and founding owner of The Pear Cafe in Bristol; pastry chef, author and cookery teacher Henrietta Inman and Belazu’s resident innovation chef and former head chef at Moro, Henry Russell.

From a minimum amount of £40 for the first sitting and £60 for the second sitting, the 51 guests were asked to pay what they thought the dinner was worth raising a total of £3,848.

Belazu Ingredient Company covered all the costs of the dinner and the company’s charity arm, the Belazu Foundation, donated double the total amount raised by the customers, contributing £7,696 to the cause, taking the total raised to £11,544.

The menu was Middle Eastern themed, and it featured Henry Russell’s Syrian Dama Cheese with Argan Oil, Buckwheat Kasha stuffed Aubergines and Flatbread starter, Elly Curshen’s Poached Salmon Flakes over Giant Couscous with Tahini Yogurt and Pickled Cucumber, and Anna Hanen’s Chermoula Roast Black Welsh Lamb Leg, Beetroot & Smoked Ricotta Gratin, Tomatillo & Zhoug Relish.

Elly Curshen said: “What a fabulous start to the weekend at Abergavenny Food Festival. That was, without doubt, the best collaboration dinner I’ve ever done.

“The menu, the ace team and everyone left so happy. Thousands raised for the #CookForSyria campaign which makes me so happy and all our hard work worth it. How incredible that we can do something we love and help others at the same time.”

The Belazu Foundation has been raising funds for food-related, educational projects that help disadvantaged individuals at home and abroad since 2003.

The #CookForSyria campaign is a global fundraising initiative curated by Clerkenwell Boy and SUITCASE Magazine in partnership with Unicef Next Generation London, a community group that works in aid of Unicef UK.