Top chef hopes to change lives with homeless restaurant project
Michelin star expert is behind Home Kitchen in Primrose Hill
Thursday, 5th September 2024 — By Ed Pracy
The first recruits to Home Kitchen are raring to go
THE world’s first fine dining restaurant staffed by homeless people will open next week in Primrose Hill.
Adam Simmonds, a renowned Michelin star chef who has worked at Le Gavroche and The Ritz in Mayfair, has founded “Home Kitchen”, which will open on September 11 in Regent’s Park Road.
The not-for-profit has hired 16 people all of whom are designated homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
They will receive full-time contracts above the London Living Wage, with pro catering training and other qualifications supported by Home Kitchen.
Aside from delivering high-end food, those involved have ambitions to create a fun and informal setting for customers.
Several classic dishes including Duck Terrine and Lamb Belly will be served, as well as vegetarian options – there is also a six-course tasting menu on offer.
Home Kitchen will open for the first time in Primrose Hill on September 11
Speaking about the new opening, executive chef Mr Simmonds said: “Home Kitchen will be an accelerant out of poverty for our recruits and an incubator of untapped talent for the catering industry.
“The restaurant business is an ideal vehicle for our social impact because if you can change perceptions in this world, then you can do it in any other walk of life.”
The new restaurant is opening at the site of Odette’s, a legendary eatery which shut down in May.
SEE ALSO THE LAST NIGHT AT ODETTE’S! PRIMROSE HILL RESTAURANT CLOSES ITS DOORS
Chef Patron Bryn Williams decided to close its doors in order to pursue opportunities in his native North Wales.
Home Kitchen has been backed by a number of reputable names across the UK, including The Big Issue who have injected a six-figure sum into the initiative.
All profit made by the restaurant will go towards creating other initiatives of this kind in different parts of the country.
Doors will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, with dinner service running between Wednesday and Friday. Lunch and dinner will be served on Saturday, while only lunch is available on Sunday.
