On Tour with Marco
Including a mix of lunch and dinner dining experiences, Marco's first stop was in Birmingham where he visited University College Birmingham and spoke to catering students about how he became arguably the UK's most influential chef.
Following this, he then undertook an evening Q&A session at Canalside at The Cube where around 100 guests were able to pose their own questions to the famed restaurateur on topics such as favourite meal, advice on becoming a chef and how to cook the perfect Christmas turkey.
The following day he was back on the road, this time heading to the South West where he first visited the Children's Hospice South West in Wraxall, North Somerset where he was shown around the site that cares for children with life-limiting illnesses.
It was here that Black And White Hospitality Chairman and CEO Nick Taplin presented the hospice with £1,000 donation from the newly formed Black And White Foundation.
Then it was on to Weston College where Level 1 and 2 catering students quizzed Marco about his career and how they could make it in the restaurant sector.
The day concluded with another Q&A session, this time at Cadbury House in Congresbury where close to 200 people packed into the renowned venue's Great Room where Marco answered around 25 questions from the captivated audience.
Including a singalong for one guest's birthday, it concluded where an aspiring young chef showed Marco one of his old chef whites which he duly signed much to the young man's delight.
Wednesday took in a lunchtime visit to the Steakhouse in Yateley where the cosy atmosphere of the 17th-century hotel made for an intimate occasion for those who came along.
The day ended with a trip to Mr White's English Chophouse in Dover which was celebrating its first anniversary. Again, nearly 100 guests were able to meet Marco, have their picture taken and receive a copy of the renowned White Heat.
With all venues packed out, it again underlines how Marco's popularity is as strong as ever. He also sees it as a great way to talk about his philosophy of feeding people well, where the atmosphere is buzzing and service excellent.
Nick Taplin, Marco's business partner, Chairman and CEO of Black and White Hospitality said: "Marco sees these visits as an important element of meeting customers. He's always interested in hearing what people have to say about his restaurants and what they think about eating out.
"He also likes to meet with the kitchen staff to impart his knowledge and find out how things are going.
"It's also quite interesting to see people's reactions when they arrive. Some can't quite believe it's really him sitting in the chair sipping tea and chatting away but they soon come out of their shells. We'll be planning some more visits in 2020 and can't wait to hit the road again!"
