New social enterprise serves first course -- and second chance

13 June 2008

Twelve hospitality trainees recruited from London's homeless hostels made a triumphant catering debut last night as the city's newest social enterprise officially opened its doors.

More than 100 Londoners descended on Tower Hill to celebrate the opening of "Beyond Boyle @ All Hallows by the Tower", a unique catering venture run by chef Simon Boyle in partnership with London's largest homeless charity, St Mungo's and the City's oldest church, All Hallows.

The trainees, all residents of St Mungo's hostels, have begun an 18-month course that mixes professional hospitality training, practical work experience and personal development coaching.

They will play a direct, hands-on role in the Beyond Boyle venture, working alongside the management team to prepare and serve food for corporate events, parties and private dining experiences.

St Mungo's director of working and learning Andy Shields said:

"We hope the Beyond Boyle training programme will be a life-changing experience for the trainees. By helping them to build new skills - and new confidence - we want to put the trainees on a pathway to paid employment and a permanent break away from homelessness."

Simon Boyle said:

"Having completed a successful pilot programme which took place last year and assisted 26 people back into a more stable situation, this new project aims to help people who have experienced homelessness learn restaurant industry skills and gain practical work experience. Beyond Boyle believes bringing people together over food can remove barriers, transforming the way people feel, interact and communicate."

Last night's event also supported St Mungo's Pathways to Employment bursary scheme, which helps St Mungo's residents to participate in courses such as hospitality, gardening, bricklaying and plastering.

Notes to Editors

  • For further information and interviews, please contact the press office on 0208 762 5570
  • For more information on Beyond Boyle, please contact Charlotte Drinkwater on 0845 618 7274 or visit http://www.beyondboyle.com/
  • St Mungo's is London's largest charity for homeless people. We provide emergency help and run more than 100 projects that house and support homeless people's recovery and prevent rough sleeping.
    For more information please visit www.mungos.org
  • Beyond Boyle is a business with a social mission. It offers uniquely organised events and private dining experiences. Beyond Boyle creates opportunities for homeless and vulnerable people through inspirational work placements and training that motiviates them into employment possibilities.
  • All Hallows by the Tower is the oldest church in the City of London and is a living church serving today's City community. The All Hallows by the Tower church, adjacent to the restaurant, is open seven days a week and welcomes City workers and visitors throughout the day.
  • Beyond Boyle @ All Hallows by the Tower has been supported by City.comm., an independent charity that works with community and voluntary groups in the City of London.

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