Joseph Allen  from The Woodford, London holds annual fundraising dinners with Michelin star chefs for Meningitis Now.

Now in its fourth year, an all-star cast of chefs will be cooking the menu including Michelin star chefs Brett Graham of The Ledbury and Andy McFadden at Pied A Terre as well as National Chef of the Year 2015, Russell Bateman.

This year the event will take place at Westminster Kingsway on Friday, November 11 with the chefs cooking an eight course menu and doing around 120 covers to raise money for the charity, Meningitis Now.

The top chefs will be serving up a rather impressive menu which includes: 

Canapés and an Amuse Bouche from Russell Bateman

Smoked ham hock, carrot and ginger, Seaweed tapioca, cured salmon, cucumber and roe and an Amuse bouche of Pumpkin, Mushroom and Brown Butter.

 Bread and Pre-dessert from Mark Jarvis at Anglo

Light Sourdough with Yeast Butter,

Sea Buckthorn, Horseradish and Toasted Rye

Starter from Ben Murphy and team

Lobster, Strawberry, Red Pepper, Tomato

Fish Course from Andy McFadden at Pied A Terre 

Cornish Hake, Seaweed, Celery, Clams and Fennel

Main Course from Brett Graham of The Ledbury

Short Rib of Ruby Red Beef, Potato and Truffle Cream, Kale and Smoked Bone Marrow

 Dessert from Tim Spedding at P Franco

Burnt mandarin with Ewes milk yogurt

Petit Fours by Dan Graham of Pidgin

 'a tasting of sake'

There will also be a charity auction and table raffle on the evening and already have quite a few meals donated as prizes including  dinner at Trinity, Temper, The Woodford and Picture.

In 2012, Joe was studying in his final year of college when his eldest brother Thomas was diagnosed with acute bacterial meningitis. Sadly Thomas passed away after a short battle with the disease which was a very difficult time for the whole family. Joe struggled with his college work but with the support of his family and friends went on to complete his course and progessed in his career as a chef.  At the time of Thomas' death, Joe wanted to do something for the charity Meningitis Now and so with the help of his peers, he decided to organise an eight-course meal in support. Having recently done some work experience at The Ledbury, he asked Brett Graham to support the event and he has sponsored the dinners ever since.

Over the years the events have raised nearly £50,000 and Joseph’s family have raised over £75, 000 for the charity. In addition to raising money and awareness, Joe feels that the dinner is always a day of remembrance for his brother Thomas. They have previously had support from some big names including D & D London, Trinity, Phil Howard and more.

If you are looking to donate or are interested in tickets for the event, please email joeallenfourteen@icloud.com.