Star chefs cook for homeless at Earl’s Court centre
A LONDON community kitchen where the cooking will be done by some of the world’s most distinguished chefs will be sited at the St Cuthbert’s Centre in Earl’s Court, it was revealed today.
Culinary giants with more than 40 Michelin stars between them, including Clare Smyth, Brett Graham and Nuno Mendes, will help prepare meals for vulnerable people with surplus ingredients provided by the Felix Project charity.
The community space will have a makeover before reopening as Refettorio Felix on 5 June. It is the latest venture of its kind from three Michelin-starred Italian chef Massimo Bottura’s non-profit organisation Food for Soul. St Cuthbert’s has been a drop-in centre for the homeless and people facing challenges such as addiction for 25 years. It provides subsidised lunch service, counselling, showers and clothes.
The makeover is being overseen by Bermondesey-based design practice Studioilse headed by Ilse Crawford. The Refettorio Felix will open for lunch Monday to Friday and aims to serve 2,000 meals during London Food Month. St Cuthbert’s centre manager Stephen Milton said: “We are incredibly excited to have been chosen as Food for Soul’s first pioneering Refettorio in the UK. Witnessing the transformation of what was a rundown building into a creative and beautifully designed kitchen space that’s modern and practical has been both stimulating and motivating.”
Food for Soul and Bottura are collaborating with London Food Month and the Felix Project on Refettorio Felix at St Cuthberts exclusively during June and will not appear at any other events or festivals in London. £1 from every ticket sold at the Night Market will support this initiative.