Hoping to demonstrate their food preparation and service skills, the lunch was prepared and served by young people with learning disabilities to the 110 guests, including chef Brian Turner, Lexington Catering, Arsenal Football Club and the Intercontinental Hotel Group
Co-hosted by disability campaign group, the Camden Society; Foxes Academy; Westminster Kingsway College; Springboard charity and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, the event was also backed by businesses that support disadvantaged young people into work in hospitality, including chefs Brian Turner and Cyrus Todiwala.
Also backing the initiative, Mordaunt said: "Disabled people make up almost a fifth of the working age population, and it's crucial that the hospitality industry is not missing out on the skills, talents and personal qualities they can bring to the workplace.
"Today's event goes to show that there is a huge pool of talent out there, and I urge all employers across the industry and beyond to help ensure the opportunity is there for everyone to reach their full potential."
Enabling hospitality employers to “experience the untapped talent the industry badly needs” - predicted to create more than 500,000 jobs in the next five years – the event supported workers with learning disabilities, who “face a far higher than typical unemployment rate.”