Fat Macy’s Launch Crowdfunding Campaign to Open Restaurant in Peckham

Fat Macy’s — a food social enterprise which aims to train young Londoners living in temporary housing — have launched a crowdfunding campaign. Their aim is to raise £55,141 to fund a permanent kitchen and new premises in Peckham. They hope the facility in Peckham will be act as a multi-purpose community space, housing both training facilities and a standalone all-day restaurant.

Fat Macy’s currently operate supper clubs which typically serve three-course meals, prepared by the young London trainees themselves. Each event is themed and has covered a number of cuisines, including, to-date: Mexican, Jamaican and Middle-Eastern. Fat Macy’s also cater for corporate events where their staff provide the cooking and hosting services. All staff working at with Fat Macy’s earn ‘credits’ which then go towards a housing deposit and a step-by-step programme to living independently. Those who volunteer for over 150 hours are eligible to apply for a housing deposit grant which gives them an opportunity to move into their own flat.

Meg Doherty, Co-Founder of Fat Macy’s, said: “In the past year Fat Macy’s have hosted a lot of successful supper clubs. We now feel it’s time that Fat Macy’s had a permanent home, in order for us to increase our social impact. Our aim with the permanent facility is to hold more regular events, which will enable us to reach our goal of helping 12 to 20 young Londoners to make the transition from temporary accommodation to permanent residence [per year].

Peckham is the right place for us as it has a really vibrant community feel and a growing foodie scene that we feel that we can add our unique flavour to.”

Fat Macy’s works with young Londoners living in temporary accommodation by training them in hospitality and cooking skills. The social enterprise provides “a pathway to independent living by inviting their trainee chefs to host pop-up supper club events across the capital.”

The prospective venue will be open all day, serving coffee, breakfast and lunch; in the evening, Fat Macy's will become a bar serving small British tapas-style plates.

The crowdfunding campaign, which is now open, will close on 16 September 2017. As of writing, the campaign has raised £8,420, 15% from 146 backers.

Fat Macy’s next events are Middle Eastern-themed supper clubs on the 14, 15 and 16 September at the Luminary Bakery, in Stoke Newington.