Searcys takes over day-to-day management of social-enterprise restaurant Brigade Bar + Kitchen

The move also incorporates a continued commitment to founder Simon Boyle’s Beyond Food Foundation, Searcys’ charity partner since 2018.

Housed in the capital’s oldest fire station, Brigade is known for its live wood-fire cooking and now offers an all-day menu of British classics alongside a creative new cocktail menu. 

Founded in 2004, Beyond Food now embodies an inclusive approach to engage all young people who need it. The charity supports individuals towards positive change by providing life-changing work placements, practical training and development courses – predominantly in the hospitality sector – with the aim of helping individuals into full-time employment.

A series of supper clubs, feast events, masterclasses and tastings are currently planned to ensure ongoing and steady fundraising for the Beyond Food Foundation.

“As a company, we are committed to acting with a social purpose and we understand the important role food can play as a catalyst for change in the community,” says Searcys’ managing director Paul Jackson. 

“As we celebrate our milestone 175th anniversary, we have pledged to raise £175,000 for charities and social causes and as such our partnership with Beyond Food and The Brigade couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Boyle added: “Having worked closely with Searcys for over four years, I can say with confidence our vision to use food as a stimulus for social change is totally aligned. It’s going to be incredible to be able to offer our programme beneficiaries the opportunity to learn new skills and reshape their lives through practical experience and work opportunities with Searcys.”