[title]
Friend of Time Out Monica Galetti is launching a brand new social enterprise restaurant.
She’ll be executive chef at 130 Primrose, which will employ and train people impacted by homelessness. Though day-to-day operations will be run by head chef Eric Zhang, Monica will be devising the menu, which will be based around seasonal British ingredients cooked up with some Mediterranean flair. The restaurant will open on May 8 at 130 Regent’s Park Road.
‘I’ve seen first-hand how, with the right support, people can rediscover hope, dignity and purpose through opportunities like this,’ says Galetti. ‘That’s why I didn’t hesitate when I was asked to help shape the culinary future of this incredible project.’
Recruits for the restaurant have been made through partner charities such as The Big Issue, Crisis, Beam, Soup Kitchen London and Only A Pavement Away. Employees will be offered six-month contracts at front of house or in the kitchen and will be supported by the restaurant upon leaving.
Galetti added: ‘My first task is to create an exciting new menu that attracts customers to support our mission - celebrating the best British seasonal ingredients with a little twist of fun. Later, I’ll weave in touches of my Samoan heritage, giving our trainees a unique development opportunity and helping them to stand out when they move on in their career in hospitality.’
The restaurant will be open for all-day dining from breakfast through to dinner and a basement cocktail bar will open later in the month.
130 Primrose, 130 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 8XL.
The 50 Best Restaurants in London.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.