Meals

On Tuesday, 20th May, HI Kent hosted its much-anticipated annual fundraising dinner at the acclaimed Frédéric Bistro in Maidstone — and what a night it was!

From the moment guests stepped through the door, they were warmly welcomed by the attentive and genuinely friendly staff, setting the tone for a relaxed and joyful evening.

The evening’s setting was perfectly complemented by the culinary talents of chef-patron Ulric Allsebrook, whose roots in the Dordogne region of south-west France inspire every dish. His philosophy — that good food and wine are best enjoyed with good company — was reflected beautifully throughout the evening. The menu showcased Ulric’s passion for seasonal, high-quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers, creating a dining experience that was both authentic and unforgettable.

Over 70 people attended, including our honourable guest, Martin Round, the Mayor of Maidstone, who gathered to enjoy the delicious food, carefully selected wines, and fantastic atmosphere. Laughter, conversation, and the clinking of glasses filled the air as supporters came together not just for a fine meal, but for a great cause.

The raffle garnered immense popularity, with winners receiving a variety of exquisite prizes, including a Chilston hotel champagne afternoon tea, Pandora products, a selection of beverages from Biddenden vineyard, and a luxurious hamper. The proceeds from the meal and raffle collectively raised over £1800 for the charity.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, the evening was a great success in raising vital funds for HI Kent’s ongoing work supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing people across the region.

A heartfelt thank you to Frédéric Bistro for hosting us, to Ulric and his team for the incredible food and service, and to all who attended and contributed to making such a special evening possible. We are already looking forward to next year!

"Our very sincere thanks for a truly lovely evening on Tuesday. We enjoyed the whole evening very much, the meal was delicious. We will definitely be paying another visit before too long. Sharon, Brian, your husband, and yourself were so friendly, it was lovely to meet you. I would just like to add my grateful thanks to all the team at Hi Kent for all the help, support, and advice I have received over the years."

Our event normally takes place in April or May. Keep an eye out and follow our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for the next event. If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive advance notice, please subscribe to our Bulletin below.