Chefs at the College of West Anglia launched the Norfolk Hospice's Feast with Friends. Pictured (from left) are Deniss Lusnivkovs, Jack Wilson, Ryan Barnes, David Smith and James Belcher. Picture: Ian Burt

People in West Norfolk were invited to Feast with Friends last night in aid of Norfolk Hospice Tapping House.

Chef Deniss Lusnikovs and a team of students from the College of West Anglia served up a six-course spread for guests at the college’s restaurant.

Mr Lusnikovs, from South Lynn, got involved with the hospice after his grandmother died back in his native Latvia.

“I lost my grandmother recently. She had cancer and she died last Christmas.

2I didn’t get to go to the funeral because I was working in the kitchen so I wanted to do something for the hospice to make myself feel better. To show my respect,” said Mr Lusnikovs.

“It’s a great local charity and they really need the money. They don’t get much money from the government so they need donations.”

The event marks the launch of Norfolk Hospice’s Feast with Friends campaign which aims to get people together to share food and raise money for the charity.

All the food for the banquet has been locally sourced from suppliers including Coles, Barsby Fresh Produce, Mrs Temple’s Cheeses, Kings Butchers and Norfolk Quail.

“I got in contact and negotiated a good price at a discount from the suppliers. There have also been donations from many of the suppliers,” said Mr Lusnikovs, 20.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the suppliers, the college and all the staff especially Mr Alex Harrison.”

Dishes on offer included beetroot velouté, leek and quail tart, mackerel ceviche, pork belly with wild mushrooms and rhubarb Eton mess.

Having learned his trade at the college Mr Lusnikovs has gone on to work at a number of restaurants including The Bank House in King’s Lynn, Hix Soho in London and El Patio in Tenerife which features in the Michelin Guide.

“I’m from Latvia but I have been in England for five years already. I’ve spent about three years in Norfolk. I first moved to Downham Market then to Lynn,” said Mr Lusnikovs.

The hospice provides palliative care to people with cancer and other life-limiting conditions.

It is inviting other restaurants and individuals to create a feast of their own in support of the campaign.

More information is available from www.norfolkhospice.org.uk