Chelsea Pensioners enjoy National Fish & Chip Day on us!
Posted by Emily on 7th Sep 2024
Following its tremendous success last year, we were thrilled to be invited back to the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, home of the Chelsea Pensioners, on Friday (6th September) to celebrate National Fish & Chip Day.
Taking place three months after the official date due to National Fish & Chip Day clashing with the hospital’s Founders Day, we once again catered for the 300 retired British Army veterans who live at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Supplying all the ingredients including the cod, Batter Mix, Pea Seasoning and Curry Sauce Mix, we wanted to put on a fish and chip lunch the residents wouldn’t forget.
While the catering staff expertly prepared lunch, and the waiting staff laid the tables, we had the opportunity to sit and talk to the retired soldiers in the Great Hall. Some shared their memories of fish and chips wrapped in newspapers and served open, others filled us in on what they had been up to since our last visit last year from fishing trips, family visits and lunches at a nearby fish and chip shop.
Compliments poured in, with veterans shaking our hands and saying our fish and chips outdid their beloved weekly ‘Fish & Chip Fridays’. Some eagerly requested that our Curry Sauce become a permanent fixture on the menu, while others couldn’t get enough of the cod, praising its authentic look and fresh taste.
Stelios Theocharous, Managing Director at Ceres, shared his excitement at being part of the event for a second year running: “We were deeply honoured to return to the Royal Hospital Chelsea and cook for the Chelsea Pensioners once again, giving them a meal they truly deserve. Their service to our country can never be fully repaid, but serving them our national dish is a small way to say thank you and to show that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
"The Chelsea Pensioners are an extraordinary group of men and women — not only because of their dedicated service to our country but also for their vibrant personalities and sense of fun. We didn’t want them to miss out on National Fish & Chip Day so we decided, why not just host it later in the year? It really was wonderful to be reunited with them once again.”
Thank you to Tony Osborne from FAS2000 for supplying the Frozen at Sea Cod.