Social Enterprising is quickly becoming a buzz word and I have written about it before. One of the most recent trends however is how quickly food and drink focussed social enterprises are growing and disrupting the whole eating and drinking arena (be it cafes, catering, restaurants or food related businesses and shops).

What’s more, while they are definitely not the prerogative of women see for example the Brigade Bar and Kitchen in London driven by Chef Simon Boyle

Social enterprises with women firmly in the kitchen are becoming increasingly common!

Here are some examples:

1. Luminary BakeryA bakery in east London that provides employability programmes for women who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence or sexual exploitation.
   They also provide fabulous bread products and cakes !
2. MissMacaroon
   Is a social enterprise business that combines the founder’s passion for premium quality food – born from her training as a high-end pastry chef at University College Birmingham -and her work in Michelin starred restaurant Purnell’s in Birmingham. MissMacaroons provides opportunities for long term unemployed young people seeking a career and a way to build confidence in themselves
3. Mazí Masan award-winning social enterprise that provides training and employment to help women build careers in the food industry. The chefs are from migrant and refugee backgrounds as diverse as the city we call home, and bring decades of culinary experience to the multi-ethnic and multi-talented team.
4. Harry SpectersMona, Shaz and their son Ash, who has autism, are behind this social enterprise which craft delicious chocolates whilst creating employment opportunities for young people with autism. They are involved in every aspect of the business – from making and packaging the products to administration, design and photography. The chocolates have won numerous taste awards and hundreds of young people with autism have a brighter future.
5. Syrian KitchenA collective of 5 Syrian women living in north London set up this supper club and catering business in 2017 as a way to recreate the feeling and flavours of their home country.

So next time you visits the city or indeed the UK think about how your eating and drinking choices may positively impact the life of others in the community!
Bon Appétit !