Smart Works Reading, the charity that helps women succeed at job interviews through its free interview coaching and dressing service, raised over £9,000 at its exclusive International Women’s Day supper club held on Friday, 7th March 2025 at Thames Lido.
The sold-out event featured celebrated chef Gizzi Erskine, who took over the Thames Lido kitchen to create a sumptuous five-course feast for 100 guests in an evening of unapologetic indulgence in support of women entering the workplace with confidence.
Hosted by Tiffanie Darke and Kate Spicer, the evening brought together food enthusiasts for a night where rich, bold flavours met a powerful cause. Beyond the exceptional dining experience, the event featured a charity raffle with remarkable prizes, and an exclusive Smart Works fashion sale – all proceeds supporting the charity’s vital services for women seeking employment.
Tiffanie Darke, who co-hosted the event, said: “It was a fabulous combination: Thames Lido is perhaps one of the country’s most beautiful venues, paired with Gizzi Erskine, an utterly captivating chef and a menu of total dreams, with Smart Works, an organisation that empowers 10,000 women into work each year.
“No wonder 100 people came and had the time of their lives. Gin cocktails, shopping, oysters, lobster and steak tartare? Sign us all up for next year please!”
Helen Francis, Chair of Smart Works Reading, added: “The evening was truly incredible and surpassed all our expectations. We connected with a wonderful new audience who not only embraced our mission wholeheartedly but also gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to run Smart Works Reading.
“They appreciated the financial realities—that it costs £4,500 per week to operate our centre at full capacity—and recognised how our dedicated volunteers power everything we do. The genuine enthusiasm and support we received was overwhelming, and we’re immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event such a success.”
Celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine, who created the evening’s menu, shared her personal connection to the cause: “After my businesses failed, I found it incredibly hard to get back to work.
“My days were spent getting more and more insecure about the prospect and it became debilitating. Three years of debilitating to be exact.
“The healing involved to get me to the point of being able to believe in myself and the product I am selling, and to be able to activate myself was unexpectedly long.
“Restarting a business at 45 has been challenging, but I’ve done it and it’s working, better than ever actually. I hope my story and with the help of Smart Works, women can feel like they can restart their lives and fulfil their ambitions.”
The event was held at Thames Lido, who have chosen Smart Works Reading as their charity partner for 2025. Guests enjoyed a 5 course culinary treat, beginning with a welcome Bramble cocktail featuring Tanqueray No. 10 Gin. Erskine’s boldly flavoured menu delighted diners with oysters dressed in Yuzu Kosho mignonette, followed by delicate lobster and blood pudding won tons in a rich bisque, followed by steak tartare on brulee beef fat French toast, hearty Toulouse sausages with Puy lentils, and finished with a spectacular Negroni crepe suzette. The evening was perfectly rounded off with a Thyme & Honey dessert cocktail and cafetière coffee, all enjoyed amidst the stunning surroundings of Thames Lido.
The £9,000 raised will directly support Smart Works Reading’s mission to help women gain confidence and succeed in job interviews, ultimately transforming their lives through employment.
For more information, please contact Kelly Gibson on 0118 595 4245 or email kelly.gibson@smartworks.org
