Premiership Cook Off raises nearly £60,000

A team of footballers headed up by Shay Given are at the top of the culinary league, after thrashing the opposition 2-1 in a unique cookery showdown.

The 12 football stars took part in an exclusive Premiership Cook Off event at Panacea Bar and Restaurant on Sunday, sponsored by Bentley Manchester, to raise funds for local charity the Five Stars Appeal.

The two teams went head to head in the kitchen where the likes of Wayne Bridge and Micah Richards took a blow torch to a brulee and Carlo Nash plus Nigel de Jong got cheeky with a Bellini cheesecake.

The footballers, wearing pristine chef whites without a grass stain in sight, cooked and served three courses and cocktails to the lucky guests. After each course diners voted for their favourite dish, which resulted in Shay's Team bringing home the cup while Carlo’s Team were handed a red card.

The evening was hosted by Robbie Savage and ex Manchester City player Nicky Summerbee, who had the guests eating out of their hands as they exchanged some lively banter with the football stars while interviewing them for the cameras.

Guests enjoyed being served delicious cocktails by ladies’ favourite Roque Santa Cruz while Wigan’s Titus Bramble did an amazing job serving up the culinary delights.

The auction was kicked off by Key103’s Mike Toolan and Hugh Ferris who whipped up a frenzy of excitement. Prizes included a Ricky Hatton Training Day bought by Shaun Wright-Phillips for £4,600 and a Rob Lloyd Racing Day bought by Roque Santa Cruz for £2,100.

In total nearly £60,000 was raised on the night for The Five Stars Appeal which has been raising funds for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for over 30 years and is now just under £300,000 away from the latest appeal to raise £1million needed to purchase a vital new MRI scanner.

Harvey Nichols provided luxury goody bags and ex Manchester City player Jim Whitley provided the entertainment by showing off his vocal skills.

Once the auction had ended the guests and footballers enjoyed a VIP after party, cheering on Shaun Wright-Phillips as he took to the decks as DJ for the night.

Joe Akka, Managing Director for Panacea, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic evening and the players proved they are every bit as good in the kitchen as they are on the football field. We are delighted at the success of the event”

Photos: Team captain Man City's Shay Given with his wife Jane and host Robbie Savage with Shaun Wright-Phillips. See below for more photos.

Tags:
Bars, Celebrities, Charity, Cook Off, Five Stars Appeal, Football, Panacea, Premiership, Restaurants
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