Industry legend joins students at landmark Edinburgh hospitality event

THE FORMER Executive Chef has returned to the kitchen he once led to join student chefs and hospitality professionals at a major industry lunch in Edinburgh.

Jean-Michel Gauffre, who led the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa’s One Square kitchen in 1985, returned to the pass nearly four decades later to mark the hotel’s 40th anniversary – teaming up with current Executive Chef Stuart Thomson for a prestigious industry lunch.

The symbolic moment took place as part of the 29^th Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland Lunch at the Sheraton, with more than 400 guests in attendance to celebrate emerging talent and raise vital funds for the charity’s scholarship programme.

Bringing together past, present and future, the event also welcomed ten student chefs from West Lothian and Edinburgh Colleges who gained hands-on experience by joining the kitchen brigade for the day – working side-by-side with both Jean-Michel and Stuart to deliver a high-end lunch service.

Stuart Thomson, Executive Chef at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: “Having Jean-Michel back in the kitchen was a real privilege. His passion for food and knowledge is something you can feel the moment he walks into the room. The students were completely inspired.

“What really stood out was how well the students responded to the challenge. I’ve no doubt we’ll be seeing some of their names in kitchens across the country before long.”

After leaving the Sheraton, Jean-Michel went on to open La Garrigue in Edinburgh – a restaurant inspired by the food and wine of his native Languedoc. It became one of the city’s most celebrated French restaurants, earning widespread acclaim before closing in 2025. He now splits his time between consultancy work in Scotland and wine tours in the south of France.

For nearly three decades, the Sheraton Grand has proudly supported HIT Scotland by hosting the annual lunch, which is considered one of the most significant gatherings in the country’s hospitality calendar.

Alongside a luxury menu, guests were treated to an afternoon of entertainment and fundraising, with Forth One’s Boogie returning as host and the Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod, entertaining the room as guest speaker.

The event raised vital funds to support HIT Scotland’s core mission, providing inspirational learning experiences and development opportunities for young people across the sector.

David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, said: “The HIT Edinburgh lunch is one of the oldest events in the HIT calendar. Starting in Edinburgh in 1996, the Edinburgh lunch has grown to be the hottest ticket in town.

“Over the years, over a million pounds has been raised from this lunch to support the inspirational scholarship programme, which has benefited thousands of scholarships across the industry.

“A succession of fantastic General Managers at the Sheraton have generously supported this event and it really does demonstrate the power of collaboration and passion for the industry, coupled with a great sense of camaraderie and fun at every lunch.”

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa combines luxury accommodation with world-class facilities and a commitment to sustainable hospitality. The hotel offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle, exceptional dining experiences and the renowned One Spa wellness sanctuary.

To find out more, please visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/edisi-sheraton-grand-hotel-and-spa-edinburgh/rooms/