Prime Minister Gordon Brown dined well as caterers from Medway served him the finest Kentish produce.
Cafe Sunlight, which operates outlets across the Towns, was named social enterprise of the year in 2008.
As a reward, the business was invited to compete to provide refreshments for this year’s awards reception in 10 Downing Street. It saw off competition from Jamie Oliver’s 15 to land the prestigious job.
Twenty staff, including long-term unemployed, serving offenders, and people with learning difficulties, prepared food and drink for Mr Brown, Cabinet members and 120 guests.
Peter Holbrook (pictured), chief executive of Sunlight Development Trust, based in Richmond Road, Gillingham, said it was a great honour.
“All the products came from Kentish farms and suppliers,” he said. “We’ve got use of the Number 10 kitchens all day.”
Mr Brown has previously visited the Sunlight Centre during a tour of Medway. “He knows us a little bit,” added Mr Holbrook.
The enterprise has been invited to Qatar to explain what it does. Two representatives will visit the Gulf state in December at the invitation of the Qatar High Commission.
It follows the Sunlight Centre being mentioned in a United Nations report on best practice in social programmes.