As we’ve just about recovered from the hangover, we thought we better pen some thanks to everyone who made last Sunday’s black tie charity dinner at The Butlers Arms such a success, raising over £5,000 for Birmingham charities supported by Rotary Club of Erdington, including BurnAid, Enzo’s Friends, and RSVP.

Nathan Eades, Head Chef of Michelin starred Simpsons restaurant, provided his services to cook the six course feast: Red Matcha amuse bouche, pig head terrine, tuna tartare, roast chicken, ‘cheese on toast’, and ‘strawberries and cream’.  Chef Eades was ably assisted in the kitchen by The Butler’s Arm proprietor-chef, Paula Giles.  Paula, husband Chris Giles, and daughter Becki Giles provided the venue and most of the practical organisation for the day (including humping around the furniture at 2am).  The event was compèred by the inimitable Keith Ward of The Station Pub in Sutton.

And now thanks for the myriad kind donations:

• Clive Reeves PR provided
  • a goody bag
  • afternoon tea at 1565 Park Regis
  • Meal Voucher at Opus Restaurant
• Meal voucher for The Butler’s Arms
• Tickets for comedy night at The Station from Keith Ward
• Martin Miller’s Gin from The Gintleman, Carl Hawkins
• An Evening Gin Tasting with The Gintleman, Carl Hawkins
• Meal Voucher from Digbeth Dining Club
• Two Independent Birmingham Discount Cards
• Wine Tasting Card from Loki Wines
• Meal Voucher at Comida Tapas Kitchen
• Signed Simpsons Restaurant Cook Book
• Dinner for Two at El Barracho De Oro
• Brewing Experience from Pig Iron Brewing Company
• Two Signed Shirts from Wolverhampton Football Club
• Teeth Whitening
• Bespoke Keepsake Jewellery from Tiny Precious Things
• Rubs and Sauces from Andy Low ‘n’ Slow

Thanks to the other half of Out In Brum for running around for prizes, and for Russell Printers for providing free printing for the event.  Deals were done by the suppliers to reduce costs, so thanks also go to: Steve at SDS Produce, Keith Smith of Caterfish (both in the wholesale market), Russell at Russell’s Butchers in Shenstone, and finally Matthew & Vanessa Perkins, at Perkins Wine Traders (who I’d like to personally thank for my hangover).

In the spirit of Rotary Club style minutes, GTHBA (Good Time Had By All).

(From left to right Butler’s Arms landlord Chris Giles, compere Keith Ward, front of house manager Becki Giles, Chef Nathan Eades, and Chef-Proprietor Paula Giles, who all gave up their time to support these good causes).