The idea of supporting local businesses has been gaining traction in the UK over the past two years. As you travel around the UK, there are many ways you can support your local community. For example, visit social giving restaurants that give back by training young local talent, supporting charities, supporting regional producers, etc.
The Hive, Birmingham
The Hive Community Centre is located in the heart of Birmingham, where you can not only dine at the award-winning organic vegan cafe, but also take part in craft workshops, exhibitions and events.
Supporting The local community is one of The Hive’s top priorities, and The Hive’s in-house academy provides job training opportunities for young people with learning difficulties and complex needs.
The Clink, Cardiff
The Clink, a trendy upmarket restaurant set in a prison and run by inmates, serves dishes made with organic Welsh produce. By changing attitudes, transforming lives, and creating second chances, The Clink shows us what can be achieved when society collectively engages to help those who want and deserve a second chance.
The Pump Room at Bath
The picturesque The Pump Room restaurant is a rare afternoon tea experience in the ancient city of Bath.
The Pump Room is attached to the Roman Baths of Bath as well as Searcys Catering. Searcys works with charities such as the London Charity Hotel School and Beyond Food to teach homeless people employable skills in the hospitality industry.
London Brigade
The Brigade Restaurant and bar is famous for its modern cooking techniques and excellent local ingredients.
The restaurant always adheres to the principle of social contribution and provides training opportunities for the disadvantaged and those in trouble.
Support local charities
Bath Hall & Woodhouse
Hall & Woodhouse, formerly an auction house built in the 1960s, is now a charming bar and restaurant in the centre of Bath.
The restaurant’s gorgeous green roof terrace looks out onto the historic streets of Bath. The restaurant supports local charities and organizes an annual litter clean-up with all staff.
Aqua Shard, London
Located on The 31st floor of the Shard, Europe’s tallest building, the restaurant Aqua Shard is known for its exquisite English afternoon tea.
The Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea brings the magic of the classic fairy tale to life, and with every consumption a donation is made to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, To help give hope to seriously ill children in the UK.
The Ethicurean in Bristol
Located in a stunning Victorian walled garden, The Ethicurean takes guests on a magical culinary journey with quality ingredients from its own garden and beyond,
The restaurant pays staff a living wage for their dedication, and all tips received by the team are donated quarterly to food charities that support vulnerable people.
Donatello, Brighton
Donatello is a family-run Italian restaurant in the heart of Brighton’s famous alleyway.
Donatello has always been committed to giving back and making a positive impact on the Brighton community, actively joining and supporting many local charities and organisations in Brighton.
Manchester Open Kitchen
Located in the People’s History Museum in Manchester, Open Kitchen puts community and the environment at its heart, fighting food waste and emphasising food safety by supporting food ethical businesses and a sustainable food chain.
Open Kitchen is a non-profit social enterprise, with all proceeds going to subsidies to support local communities in need of help with food security issues, delivering food and supplies to food banks, temporary shelters and food storage projects.
Reduce food carbon miles
The Vibe Cafe, Liverpool
The Vibe Cafe aims to create a new experience for the mind, body and soul of its customers. The drinks and food are 100% plant-based and made from local produce. The Vibe Cafe’s coffee is Fairtrade certified and comes from a women’s cooperative in Honduras.
York Partisan
The Partisan isa vibrant independent coffee shop and art space that serves delicious food made from seasonal and local produce. Most of the herbs and vegetables in the dish come from the restaurant’s own farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds.
The hanging paintings and antique furniture are available for purchase, and there are regular displays of works by local York and other UK artists.
The Finnieston, Glasgow
Finnieston Bar & Restaurant serves ethical and high-quality seasonal Scottish seafood, complemented by a variety of local Scottish products. The highlight of the drink menu is a zero-waste cocktail made entirely from discarded produce, which is worth a try.
Manchester 20 stories
The 20 stories restaurant is, as its name suggests, located on the 20th floor of the building, while a rooftop terrace on the 19th floor gives diners a 360-degree view of Manchester’s charming city.
The menu has been carefully designed to highlight the quality of North West England food and the restaurant is committed to sourcing local products and supporting local suppliers.
The Kitchin, Edinburgh
Michelin-starred modern Scottish restaurant, The Kitchin, serves modern fusion British cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques.
The Kitchin sticks to the fresh ingredients of the day, as well as the best Scottish seasonal ingredients, sourced directly from select suppliers near the restaurant.
