An Isle of Wight fire station is to host a ‘pop-up’ fine dining restaurant as part of the brigade's '100 Here, 100 There' charity appeal.

Local chefs will be brought in to prepare the cuisine and fire fighters will become waiters for the night when the station’s main appliance bay is transformed for the one-off event on May 11.

Station transformation
Diners will be asked to pay what they think their meal was worth and all money raised will support the '100 Here, 100 There' bike ride in June that will raise money for Wessex Cancer Trust, Seeds4Change and the Firefighters Charity. The ride will see fire fighters cycle 100 miles on the Island in a single day and traversing 100 mountains in ten days in France.

The idea of transforming Ryde Fire Station into a fine dining restaurant was that of retained firefighter and keen foodie Heath Monaghan. He hopes his idea, which will have the theme of Fire and Ice, will raise at least £1,000 and attract at least 80 diners. Wherever possible, local produce will be sourced to create the dishes.

Well received
FF Monaghan said; “The initial idea was developed during a discussion, searching for a location on the Island to run a supper club. The 100 Here 100 There appeal had just been launched and it was felt that an operational fire station would be a truly unique venue and the appeal perfect to support.

“Further local informal discussions have been very well received and the majority of the Ryde station’s firefighters have agreed to become involved in waiting on tables. Local chefs have agreed to assist in the kitchens to prepare and cook food, local restaurant critics Matt & Cat will help to market the event and spread the word so it promises to be a unique and enjoyable occasion.”

In total, four chefs will be running the kitchen and all food will be freshly prepared on site. Despite the transformation of the appliance bay, the station itself will remain fully operation throughout the evening.

To book, visit www.rydefirestation.co.uk - tickets cost £5 for a welcome drink and entry.

Posted 18/04/2013 by richard.hook@pavpub.com