World’s highest dinner abandoned

A bid to stage the world’s highest formal dinner party has been called off after last week’s Nepal earthquake that sparked avalanches on Mount Everest.

The eight-strong team, including Adrian Bridge of Port producer The Fladgate Partnership, was unharmed by the disaster, which has claimed over 1,000 lives, but decided not to continue the mission.

Expedition leader Neil Laughton, said “In the light of the tragic events unfolding in Kathmandu and on Mount Everest, we have decided to abandon our World’s Highest Dinner Party attempt and we are returning to Base Camp. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this disaster and we will continue to raise funds for the charity Community Action Nepal.”

The team set out on 11 April and was due to host a black tie dinner at 7,000 metres altitude on 27 April. Two Michelin starred chef Sat Bains had already been forced to withdraw from the challenge due to altitude sickness.

The original menu plan had featured miso soup made with mountain snow, rich beef stew, chocolate biscuit with popping candy and Mumm Champagne. Bridge was also carrying a bottle of 62 year old tawny Port to commemorate the world record and the first ascent of Everest in 1953.

Proceeds raised from the challenge were due to go to Community Action Nepal, a UK charity supporting the mountain people of Nepal.