NEWS RELEASE

26 January 2016

 If you would like to interview Andrew about this please contact Alison Jee (details below)

IT'S ‘CHOCS AWAY' FOR ESSEX CHEF TO HELP CHARITY

AnEssex chefhas joined other top chefs who are ‘feeling the love' to raise funds for a great cause this Valentine's. AndrewJones, now the award-winning chef patron at leading City of London restaurantChamberlain'sin Leadenhall Market, is participating in the annualChocs for Chanceauction. This helps fundGalvin's Chance,an into-work programme for young people, offering the opportunity to turn their lives around through training and work placements at top London restaurants. He joins other leading chefs including Raymond Blanc OBE, Marcus Wareing and Michel Roux Jr in creating special boxes of chocolates, for delivery to lucky successful bidders in time for Valentine's weekend.

Jones, who trained atSouth East Essex College of Arts & Technology in Southend,comes from a catering family; his parents - who live inSt. Lawrence- met while working atThe Contented Sole in Burnham on Crouchin the early 1960s. His brother James works with him at Chamberlain's and is now the restaurant's head chef.

Many of the participating chefs met recently at Galvin at Windows to launch the ten-day auction, which goes live on January 29.

As well as the fabulous box of hand made chocolates, the lucky Chamberlain's winning bidder will receive a voucher for a tasting menu for two at the restaurant with champagne.

Andrew's chocolate box will feature delicious Guanaja dark chocolate and pistachio praline cream hearts, finished with gold leaf.

 The participating chefs have all generously donated their incredible talents, their time and their energies into creating truly indulgent chocolate boxes. Many are also donating additional prizes to accompany their auction items, including dinner for two at their restaurants, copies of their cookbooks and more.

To find out more and place a bid, visit chocsforchance.org/andrewjones/

ENDS

On 020 8744 0744alison@alisonjee.co.uk

For further information about Chocs for Chance please contact Kirsty Mitchell on 020 7605 7629kirsty.mitchell@dmtfyp.org.uk

Notes to Editors

About Chamberlain's

Chamberlain's has been established in Leadenhall Market for 15 years. Owned by one of the leading wholesalers at Billingsgate - Chamberlain & Thelwell - it has an excellent reputation for selling the finest fish available from British coastal waters. It is not only a fish restaurant - it serves meat and game and has innovative vegetarian options. The décor of the restaurant and the menus are both ‘modern meets gentleman's club'; Andrew describes his style of cooking as ‘Yin and Yang' - classic and contemporary meeting in the middle.

www.chamberlainsoflondon.com

About Galvin's Chance

Galvin's Chance is a charitable initiative of DM Thomas Foundation for Young People and is delivered in partnership with The Springboard Charity, Galvin at Windows restaurant, Hilton Worldwide, London Probation, Wine & Spirit Education Trustand various four and five-star hotels and fine-dining restaurants in London. The purpose of Galvin's Chance is to provide a supported into-work programme and apprenticeship for young people aged 18-24 who may be ex-offenders or who are deemed disadvantaged, including those ‘at risk' of gang culture. To date127 young people started on the programme. On average each year 88% complete the course and take part in pre-employment experience in prestigious restaurants and hotels.

For more information please visit:www.galvinschance.co.uk

About the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People

DM Thomas Foundation for Young People (formerly Hilton in the Community Foundation) was founded in 2000, dedicated to supporting young people in need by combating exclusion and providing skills, aspirations and opportunities. Focussed on improving access to, and the quality of, education and care, the Foundation mobilises local giving and targets four key areas: disabled children, children in hospitals, children's hospices and unemployment. Grants help vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Europe.

Donations are funded almost entirely through the generous efforts and contributions of the community. Since its establishment in November 2000 the Foundation has raised over £15 million for charity.

To find out more please visit our website:www.dmthomasfoundation.org.uk