Adam Simmonds crowdfunds for pop-up diner run by homeless community

Chef Adam Simmonds and Soup Kitchen London have launched a crowdfunding campaign to open Home Kitchen, a pop-up diner in London that will be run by a team of homeless people.

Simmonds, who was head chef at Ynyshir Hall in Wales and Danesfield House near Marlow when the restaurants won Michelin stars, will be operating Home Kitchen in the former Frankie and Benny's site in Victoria station.

The project is proposed to run for 13 weeks with a launch date depending on the progress of the crowdfund. The team are aiming to raise £452,645 to cover wage bills, the cost of sponsoring qualifications, and food and drinks stocks.

Home Kitchen hopes to serve 116 daily covers at the start of the scheme and 227 by the end, which equates to 15,880 covers over a 13-week period.

The restaurant will aim to tackle staff shortages in the hospitality industry while also providing employment opportunities to homeless people.

Staff will be paid London Living Wage and they will also receive a travel card and catering qualification.

Soup Kitchen London is based in Whitfield Street and is one of approximately 500 soup kitchens across the capital that serve 150 people every day.

Home Kitchen received its first corporate donation of £5,000 from Zurich Community Trust, the charity arm of Zurich Insurance UK.

The restaurant is also supported by homelessness charities Beyond Food and Crisis, as well as Network Rail.

Those who donate can receive perks such as a cookery masterclass with Adam Simmonds, a signature cocktail and a private dinner and karaoke party.

To view the crowdfunding campaign, click here.