The idea
Fat Macy’s works with young Londoners living in temporary accommodation. A roving restaurant, we provide a pathway to independent living by inviting our trainees chefs to host pop-up supper club events across the capital.
Fat Macy's creates a direct pathway from hostel to home: from in-hostel training, to work experience at our supper club events. Those who volunteer over 150 hours are eligible to apply for a housing deposit grant to move into their own flat.
Now Fat Macy's needs a permanent home - we plan to renovate an old building to create a cafe and restaurant, complete with a professional commercial kitchen for training and events. We will also create a social enterprise hub with coworking space, complete with events showcasing the best social enterprises in London.
We're currently choosing between a couple of venues in Peckham. If a venue falls through no backers will be charged.
What we'll deliver
- Create a community hub with discounted rates for local community groups and social enterprises
- Host regular supper club series
- Provide training, work experience and housing support for young Londoners in temporary accommodation
- Renovate an old building to create Fat Macy's first home - a cafe/restaurant and social enterprise hub
- Work with inspiring London based social enterprises to showcase their work
Why it's a great idea
Fat Macy's will bring a new, independent business to London which will support the local community, create training opportunities for young Londoners living in temporary accommodation and serve up delicious food!
Our venue will be open all day, serving coffee, breakfast and lunches to locals. We will work in partnership with a range of inspiring social enterprises to showcase their work. We'll invite ethical fashion business popups, food/drink tastings, and makers and crafters to sell and display their work.
In the evening, Fat Macy's will become a bar serving small British tapas plates from our kitchen. Finally, we won’t forget our roots: supper clubs will pop up throughout the year! All of this will allow us to continue our programme and increase our support for young Londoners escaping the cycle of homelessness.
Opening a permanent venue will mean we can work full time supporting Londoners living in temporary hostel accommodation. We aim to house 12-15 trainees a year.
Steps to get it done
- Contract architecture plans for the renovation
- Fit bar, storage, tables
- Fit out commercial kitchen and bathrooms, including extraction system
- Open to the public with our launch party!
- Order all stock and kitchen equipment
- Renovate the main space - floors, walls and ceilings
- Paint shopfront
Fat Macy’s has identified and developed a unique model that facilitates the transition from hostel accommodation to independent living. Those living in temporary accommodation are faced with insurmountable barriers when looking to move - the benefit trap, inability to raise money for a deposit and a lack of affordable housing. We'd also like to find a space to offer affordable rents to some of our participants. Fat Macy's model redefines the provision of supported housing and homelessness services, and can be rolled out across London and nationally.
We'll have a range of amazing rewards for those who pitch - look out on social media to be in the know!
