I’m a self-confessed foodie, so I was delighted when LandAid partnered with StreetSmart. Not only because they make such a difference to the lives of homeless people but there are some fabulous restaurants involved, serving absolutely delicious food – right across the country.
From 1 November, 485 restaurants will embark on the 2021 StreetSmart campaign. The campaign is so simple, diners to contribute a voluntary £1 donation to their bill during the winter months of November and December – a time when many of us start to think about those less fortunate than ourselves.
I’m so proud that LandAid is the sponsor of StreetSmart. It means that every penny raised will support homelessness projects across the UK – the most vulnerable, living on the streets and in unstable accommodation. StreetSmart has raised over £10m since its inception 23 years ago and has supported thousands of people through funding services like housing advice, accommodation, and training and job support.
Last year was a tricky time for everyone – but it was particularly tough for those in hospitality, and practically impossible for young people experiencing homelessness. The winter Covid lockdown was announced the day before StreetSmart was due to launch in 2020, meaning that the campaign didn’t raise as much as hoped. This in turn meant that fewer young people were helped out of homelessness. So this year we want to help StreetSmart go bigger and better than ever!
Luckily for me (but not for my waistline!), partnering with StreetSmart has given me a readymade list of amazing restaurants to visit. Over the past couple of years, I’ve indulged at 10 Greek Street, MEATliquor and The Alma (conveniently around the corner from my flat!) – to name just a few. A particular favourite was Levan, a small intimate restaurant in South London. The Head Chef at Levan kindly hosted a live, virtual Cook along in aid of LandAid earlier this year. They created some stunning dishes, whilst raising vital funds for youth homelessness projects.
These are only a few examples of the places I have eaten at, but there are so many more that you can take advantage of. There are 485 restaurants dotted throughout the country, 51 with Michelin stars!
A list of participating restaurants can be found here – and filtered by location.
So if you are thinking of indulging this winter, either with your fellow foodies or with your colleagues at this year’s Xmas Party – please do book a StreetSmart restaurant and help to make an enormous difference to young lives.