Blackpool’s new gastronomic delight

In keeping with Blackpool Masonic hall’s modernisation plans it was decided that this year’s new catering contract should go out to tender. After an intensive interviewing session the contract was awarded to a local café-grill trendily called ToasT.

Peter Lewis, hall steward, had this to say following the interviews: “The presentation put forward by ToasT’s general manager Mike Gibson and his team was the most professional and competitive. We are now looking forward to the highest standard of excellent food, coupled with five star service and presentation”.  As a thank you for being awarded the contract ToasT provided a sample of the delights they have in store by providing a free buffet for an invited audience at Adelaide Street.  Entertainment was also provided by the firm in the form of two students from the Phil Winston’s theatre works.

Peter Lewis addresses the members.

 Before the guests sampled the gastronomic delights set out in the main dinning room, Mike introduced his staff and management team. He told the guests that ToasT, which is situated in Corporation Street Blackpool, has achieved many awards and recognition for its fine food. These include Taste Lancashire; winners of the 2009 Blackpool Tourism award and Toast were also nominated for Radio Wave Culture and Lifestyle award for 2010/2011. Mike went on to explain that only locally sourced produce was used and the firm had a policy to employ only local personnel.  Also amongst the guests was Elizabeth Gomm, trustee and UK co-ordinator for the Happy House Children’s Home in Watamu, Kenya a charity founded by former Blackpool hotelier, Sue Hayward. Happy House provides a home for 53 orphaned, abandoned, neglected or abused children ranging from the age of a few weeks to 14 years of age.  Blackpool Masons responded to the occasion by donating £340 to Elizabeth for the Happy House charity.  Elizabeth replied: “We are so grateful for this evening’s invitation and a special thank you goes to the Freemasons and their wives for their generosity. Every penny will go directly to caring for our Happy House children”.

Pictured left to right are: Peter Lewis, Paul Horridge, (executive head chef), Mike Gibson, and Masonic hall president Colin Goodwin.

 At the main event of the evening, sampling the food on offer, there was unananimous praise by everyone attendance for the quality of food presented and the courteous service shown by the staff.  Peter Lewis concluded by adding, “We are now looking forward to an exciting year at Blackpool; with a newly refurbished Masonic hall coupled with our new caterers we can only go from success to success”.

 
Delighted Guests sample the buffet. 

Photo two.