Members of Highgate Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club in Crouch End enjoyed a four-course feast cooked by MasterChef finalist Antos Tytko, accompanied by a string quintet playing Vivaldi, at a fundraising dinner on Saturday, September 26. The event raised £1,000 to kickstart a campaign to refurbish the clubhouse, which has not had a makeover in more than 50 years.
Grand Slam-themed dinner on the tennis court
The 29-year-old Antos, who reached the last four of MasterChef in June, prepared a menu themed around the Grand Slam tournaments, starting with Vegemite and cheddar scrolls served on tennis racquets. The long table, split in half by a tennis net, seated 50 club members who swapped their sports gear for evening gowns and suits for the night.
Antos, who has just left his banking job to pursue cooking full-time, slow-cooked a pork shoulder while violinist Thomas Gould’s quintet played The Four Seasons, all wearing tuxedos. The meal was served on tennis racquets, adding to the tennis-themed atmosphere.
Community support and surprise performances
The evening was organised by volunteers to kickstart the fundraising campaign. Member and former chair Susan Paterson welcomed members with a jazz performance, and as a surprise guest, fellow club member Thomas Gould, former leader of the Aurora Orchestra and the Britten Sinfonia, brought his fellow musicians along to play.
Throughout the day, members pitched in: tennis players stopped their matches to carry tables, the neighbouring club lent chairs, and guests helped plate up the food. Tennis and cricket members came together to show their support for the clubhouse upgrade.
Fundraising goal and future events
Antos said: “I love this club and the community that surrounds it, much of which centres around our clubhouse. I want future members to have the same opportunity to build the friendships and memories that this club has given me.” He added: “I love being able to show my imaginative and slightly silly side.”
Club chair Liz Sich said: “Our club is all about its members and it was great to see our tennis and cricket players on court in their finery under a full moon on a beautiful September evening. So many people volunteered to make this a success and kickstart our clubhouse campaign.”
The £1,000 raised is the first step towards a bigger project to create a clubhouse where members can come together for generations to come. Organisers are already planning the next fundraising activities, including events that will be open to the public.
