ESS, the Defence, Energy and Government Services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has collaborated with the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) on the publication of its new cookbook – Galley.
Britain has a rich naval history, with food often playing a central role on ships and at events. Galley celebrates this by showcasing the skill and talent of 20 chefs with a connection to the Royal Navy. Each has shared a starter, main and dessert, some from competition-winning menus, alongside their journey through active service and beyond.
ESS Executive Chef, Ryan Hopper, and Compass Group UK & Ireland Culinary Director, Nick Vadis, are both Royal Navy veterans who have proudly contributed to the project.
There’s also a mouth-watering seven-hour lamb dish from Michel Roux Jr, who himself served in the French military and has endorsed the book.
As well as the recipes, Galley is packed with insights into British maritime history and Navy life and traditions; from the strictly observed toasts of Trafalgar Night, commemorating Lord Admiral Nelson’s victory in battle, to the story of how a handwritten recipe book by a naval chef who served from 1923 to the end of World War II came to light.
The Princess Royal has provided a foreword for the publication. Her Royal Highness, who is the charity’s Patron and also holds the rank of Admiral and Chief Commandant of Women in the Royal Navy, introduces readers to the recipes of Galley with a few personal recommendations!
RNRMC is the principal charity of the Royal Navy, supporting sailors, marines and their families, for life. As an official partner to the organisation, ESS undertakes fundraising as well as strategic projects.
All proceeds from the sale of Galley will go towards funding the RNRMC’s essential work.
The book is available in all good bookstores and via the Royal Navy Shop at The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Cookbook – Royal Navy Shop.
Mark Webster, Managing Director – ESS Defence, Energy and Government Services, commented:
“We feel privileged to have a longstanding working relationship with the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and to play a part in the great work the organisation does for serving and former sailors, marines and their families. The Galley cookbook has afforded us the fantastic opportunity to combine support for the charity with what we enjoy best – great food!”
Alasdair Akass, Director of Fundraising and Communications – Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, commented:
“The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is proud to be the inheritor of centuries of tradition of charitable support to those who serve at sea and those who gave honourable service in the past. Thanks to our great friends ESS Defence, who have generously supported the production of this unique volume of recipes and insights into naval life and tradition, all the proceeds from the sale of each copy will go directly to delivering the life-long support that our beneficiaries count on us to provide.”
