A chef from one of Reading’s best-known restaurants was the star judge at a local office’s charity baking competition.
Chris Prow, head chef at Forbury's Restaurant and Wine Bar, visited the Reading offices of transport operator FirstGroup, where the company’s in-house claims team had prepared their best cakes, savouries, biscuits and brownies.
Having sampled each of the entries, Chris, and his colleague Rob, scored the bakes based on their consistency, presentation and uniqueness, before declaring a steak, ale and blue cheese pasty the winner of the competition.
The cakes were then sold to colleagues and adjoining offices, raising £486 for Action for Children, FirstGroup’s UK charity partner.
FirstGroup’s Julie Randle said: “All of our bakers worked extremely hard on their entries, as did the event organisers, Wai Ling and Samantha.
“Receiving expert feedback from Chris and Rob at Forbury's Restaurant was a wonderful experience, and raising £400 for Action for Children really was the icing on the cake.”
Chris Prow, head chef at Forbury's Restaurant and Wine Bar, said: “We were delighted to work alongside FirstGroup in aid of Action for Children, which is a really worthy cause. We hope every little bit helps towards benefitting children’s futures. The bake-off was a great success with several worthy contestants; it was very difficult to choose a winner! We’re excited to work together again at future events.”
Locks Farmer, Director of Fundraising at Action for Children, said: “We're thrilled FirstGroup’s Reading team have begun their fundraising activities by raising money for Action for Children, with a classic baking competition.
“As a corporate partner, the money FirstGroup raise will go towards helping young people begin their journey to better mental health. Events like this raise vital funds to help the many thousands of children we work with to overcome some of the difficulties they have experienced in their early lives, so thank you to everyone from FirstGroup and Forbury's for taking part.”