Social Enterprise Fat Macy’s launches crowdfunding bid

The team hope to raise £55,141 to fund a site in Peckham, which will act as a multi-purpose community space, housing both training facilities and a standalone all-day restaurant. The campaign closes on 16 September and Fat Macy’s has so far raised £8,485, some 15% of their target, from 148 backers.

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 south east London venue will serve food coffee, breakfast, lunch. In the evenings it will become a bar that serves “British tapas-style plates”. Ethical food and drinks providers will be invited to host tastings.

Fat Macy’s currently runs supper clubs serving three-course meals, prepared by young London trainees. Each event is themed and consists of a variety of cuisines (previous supper clubs have included Mexican, Jamaican and Middle Eastern). The enterprise also caters for corporate events.

By working, the staff earn credits, which are used towards a step-by-step programme to living independently and housing deposits. 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.

“In the past year Fat Macy’s have hosted a lot of successful supper club,” says Meg Doherty, co-founder of Fat Macy’s. “It’s now time that Fat Macy’s had a permanent home, in order for us to increase our social impact. Our aim 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].”

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