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Social Pantry named exclusive catering partner at Tower Bridge


By Emma Lake


Social Pantry has secured its first exclusive venue contract with London landmark Tower Bridge. The sustainable caterer has


been delivering events across the venue’s three spaces from 1 March. These include the Victorian


engine rooms, which house the original machinery used to lift the bridge, the glass- floored walkways and the North Tower lounge. Social Pantry founder and


chief executive Alex Head said: “Our team is excited to bring our passion for exceptional food and service to such an iconic London venue. “We look forward to collabo- rating with Tower Bridge to


Social Pantry will cater for private weddings at Tower Bridge


create unforgettable experi- ences for guests.” The Social Pantry team will also cater for corporate and


private events, including wed- dings, at the venue. Social Pantry was founded by Head in 2011 with the aim


of creating “high-impact events with minimal environmen- tal impact”. It is listed with more than 70 venues, includ- ing the National Gallery, the Royal Academy of Arts and Blenheim Palace, and delivers workplace catering. Head has committed to pro-


viding opportunities to prison leavers, and ex-offenders now make up around 10% of Social Pantry’s workforce. Chris Earlie, director of


Tower Bridge, said: “Social Pantry stood out to us as being far more than just a catering company. Their commitment and passion in being a force for good while maintaining the highest levels of quality was exactly what we were looking for in a partner.”


Tributes made to ‘brilliant’ Hairy Biker Dave Myers


The hospitality industry has paid tribute to TV chef Dave Myers, one half of the Hairy Bikers presenting duo, follow- ing his death at the age of 66. Myers revealed he had cancer


on a podcast two years ago but had returned to filming towards the end of 2023. His co-star Si King, who


began working with Myers 20 years ago, announced the news on social media on 29 February. The Hairy Bikers were


known for their food pro- grammes that saw them travel around the UK and the world on their motorbikes. King said: “All who knew


Dave are devastated at his pass- ing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness, as did her children, Iza and Sergiu, who Dave loved like his own. “Personally, I am not sure


I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that, for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. “I wish you god’s speed


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brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.” Members of the food indus-


King wrote about Myers on social media, saying “My best friend is on a journey that, for now, I can’t follow” Before finding fame as part


lovely man. My thoughts are with his family and of course Si.” James Martin, host of ITV’s


try have paid tribute to Myers following his death. Jay Rayner, The Observer’s res-


taurant critic, tweeted: “This is very sad news. Dave was a bril- liant cook, a superb communi- cator and most of all a seriously


James Martin’s Saturday Morn- ing, said: “I am lost for words, a very special man…” Saturday Kitchen host Matt


Tebbutt introduced the pro- gramme with a tribute to Myers, who he described as part of the “show’s family”.


of the Hairy Bikers’ duo, Myers worked as a make-up artist spe- cialising in prosthetics. He met King, a location manager, on the set of a 1992 TV drama The Gambling Man. The Hairy Bikers’ latest


series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, sees the pair travelling down the west of Britain.


8 March 2024 | The Caterer | 7


BBC/SOUTH SHORE PRODUCTIONS/JON BOAST


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