Green & Fortune raises over £70,000 at St Patrick's Day lunch

Green & Fortune has raised over £70,000 for good causes at its fifth annual St Patrick's Day lunch.

The caterer hosted over 200 guests from the industry and the Irish community in London at its King's Cross venue, Kings Place Events and the Rotunda bar and restaurant.

Funds for Hospitality Action and the London Irish Centre were raised through a raffle, silent auction and sweepstake. In addition, 50% of ticket sales contributed to the £70,000 total.

Genuine Dining's Chris Mitchell and Robbie Laidlaw took to the stage to describe how they endured what is known as the world's toughest row, 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. The pair have now passed their £250,000 Spirit of Hospitality target in aid of Hospitality Action, with 25% of their target raised by Green & Fortune.

Meanwhile, the Craicheads band performed a live singalong of Irish favourites.

Green & Fortune chief executive John Nugent said: "Friday's event represents many things for Green & Fortune. Clearly raising funds is important. Bringing people together and creating the environment that allows people to support our various communities is key.

"This lunch creates this space, and I am grateful for the support given to it by all who attend, donate and get behind these two great charities."