London's private clubs rally round to help the homeless

Mayor Rigby chats with guests

They are known as some of London's most elite venues with a string of VIP guests going through their doors.

But Annabel's, George, Harry's Bar and Mark's Club are also helping to feed the homeless at a West End church thanks to a service set up by a group of churches during the pandemic.

Yesterday, the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby, visited the project, and helped serve lunch to around 75 people on a visit to the Central London Catholic Churches Homeless lunch service run from Farm Street Church. Dario Mazzzolli, Dimitris Panopoulos and Camllia Fabbio, deputy director and managers at Annabel's, who had provided the day's food, also came to lend a hand.

Set up in 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and supported by Westminster City Council, the service offers lunch twice a week in a large dining room. It is already supported with donations of food from five-star hotels including the Connaught, Claridges and the Mandarin Oriental.

The addition of the private members' clubs will mean the service can continue to serve around 140 people per week.

Volunteers led by Father Dominic Robinson, parish priest of Mount Street Jesuit Centre at Farm Street, refer to the homeless diners as guests and serve them sitting at tables - making the point that those sleeping rough are deserving of dignity and respect.

The Lord Mayor donned an apron to serve lunch consisting of chicken, fried rice with mixed vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy, and lemon cake and cream. He also chatted with several of the guests.

He said: "Talking to people having lunch at the Farm Street centre it's clear the reasons why people end up sleeping rough or facing homelessness are complex and varied. While some may have substance problems in the past, for others it can just be bad luck or family rifts that mean they fall through the cracks.

"The hospitality trade has been great and Father Dominic deserves credit for getting the private members' clubs involved. They are showing a real commitment to the wider community which should be applauded."

Father Dominic said: "Thanks to our food donors and an amazing band of volunteers we can keep providing food and I hope a sense of dignity to people who have ended up homeless. While our service took off in the pandemic, it is great to see that spirit of community continuing. Thank you to the private members' clubs for joining our team - your contribution is making a significant difference."

The Mayor also visited the Cana Lounge Cafe downstairs at the centre. This community cafe, beautifully designed, with an excellent menu, run by volunteers, offers training, skills practice and coaching to help people gain confidence and move in to new jobs. (We'll be bringing you a report on that soon.)