James Allcock extends Pig and Whistle crowdfund after hitting initial target within an hour

Allcock, who previously cooked under both Gordon Ramsay and Gary Usher, launched the crowdfund on Kickstarter yesterday evening (12 February) and hit his goal of raising £12,000 in just 48 minutes.

As a result the chef has now set a stretch target of £20,000 that will be used to have a set of new opening windows fitted to the front of the bistro.

“It was a hard choice to put ourselves out there and the fear of failure isn’t something I find easy,” Allcock wrote on Instagram​​.

“It’s been humbling and reassuring to listen to how much we mean to people and see the support flood in has been overwhelming.

“Securing this funding as I said is going to allow me to take full ownership of the business now, having already bought my business partner out this additional funding will allow me to take on the lease of the building independently and finalise the full take over of the business.”

Allcock launched The Pig and Whistle back in 2017. The neighbourhood bistro and tapas bar takes inspiration from French, Italian and Spanish cuisine and serves a menu that includes small plates, cheese boards and British charcuterie.

The rewards-based crowdfund offers patrons bespoke deli hampers, Pig and Whistle merch, dinners at the restaurant and access to exclusive guest chef nights hosted by the likes of Gary Usher, Paul Leonard and Mark Poynton.

At the time of writing the campaign has raised £13,931 from 85 backers and is set to run for another 48 days.

“I’m excited and hopeful we can push this fund on to achieve [our stretch target], but humbled and honoured you’ve allowed us to come this far and helped me secure The Pig for the next 10 years,” Allcock added.

To view the crowdfund campaign, click here​​.