UCFF AND THE STAFF CANTEEN SUPPORT TOM AIKENS’ KILIMANJARO CHARITY CHALLENGE

16 September 2025 | Tewinbury Farm, Hertfordshire

Tickets: £125 + VAT | www.cookeryandfoodfestival.co.uk

The universal cookery & food festival (ucff) and The Staff Canteen have announced that Only A Pavement Away, the industry charity championed by chef Tom Aikens, will be the official charity partner for the 2025 festival.

In support of Aikens’ upcoming Climb Kilimanjaro Challenge on 1 October — a fundraising expedition for the charity — a percentage of every ticket sold for ucff 2025 will be donated to the cause via 365 Events. An additional charity auction, hosted during the festival dinner on 15 September, will also raise vital funds.

Led by Aikens and supported by mountaineering group Walking With My Bear, the Kilimanjaro trek will see 40 participants climb 19,341 feet over eight days, raising money to help those facing homelessness find employment in hospitality.

Greg Mangham, Founder & CEO of Only A Pavement Away said “The idea by Tom Aikens, our Patron, to climb Kilimanjaro epitomises the culture and ethos of Only A Pavement Away. Tom tirelessly supports us in our work, and we can think of no one better to represent us. The decision by ucff to donate a generous % of the entry fee to Toms fundraising pot is the icing on the cake. The money raised by ucff will allow us to support more people into careers in hospitality. Only A Pavement Away can’t thank Tom and ucff enough.”

Aikens will headline the Staff Canteen Live at ucff 2025 on 16 September at Tewinbury Farm, Hertfordshire — promising an unforgettable day of culinary inspiration and industry connection, all for a good cause.

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About ucff 2025

The universal cookery & food festival (ucff) returns on Tuesday 16 September 2025, taking place at Tewinbury Farm, Hertfordshire — a venue renowned for its sustainability-led hospitality offering and commitment to seasonal, local produce.

Dubbed "Glastonbury for chefs", ucff is created by chefs, for chefs, offering an immersive and inspiring day out of the kitchen. The event is designed to explore the future of foodservice through:

• The Staff Canteen Live Stage, hosted by Mark Morris and headlined by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens (Muse), alongside Daniel Clifford & Liam Anderson (Midsummer House), Tom de Keyser & Sarah Hayward (The Hand & Flowers / The Coach), and Josh Angus (HIDE).

• Wild Food Demos, featuring game butchery, fish prep, foraging, and fungi exploration.

• Trends & Debates Stage, hosted by Nigel Barden, covering topics including ethical business (B-Corp), AI in kitchens, food as medicine, and local food heroes.

• Foraging Walks, led by Colin Wheeler-James and Ground Up Cookery School, exploring nature’s pantry along the River Mimram.

• Farmers’ Market, showcasing the best of British produce and equipment.

Tickets: £125 + VAT

Website: www.cookeryandfoodfestival.co.uk

Charity Partner: Only A Pavement Away – a percentage from every ticket sale will be donated to support Tom Aikens' Kilimanjaro fundraising challenge. Additional funds will be raised via an exclusive charity auction at the festival dinner on 15 September.

About Only a Pavement Away

Only A Pavement Away was established by hospitality industry consultant, Greg Mangham & his wife Gill, on World Homeless Day, 10th October 2018, to support anyone facing homelessness and wanting to rebuild their lives, through employment in the hospitality sector. The charity acts as a vital bridge between forward-thinking employers and charity referral partners to help individuals reintegrate back into society. To date, the charity has placed 712 people into work, adding an approximate value of £28.9M to the economy through reduced government support, financial independence, and household expenditure. Visit www.onlyapavementaway.co.uk for more information, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.