Words by Smiley Team
Tucked down Cambridge’s winding streets, a pub with boarded up windows suddenly gained new life at the start of the pandemic. After launching in November 2020, Cambridge Community Kitchen won the local mayor’s approval for its role as a distribution hub for free food supporting hundreds of disadvantaged people.
A group of environmental and peace campaigners launched the project after discovering the abandoned building and deciding to reclaim it for the community. When Covid-19 and lockdown saw incomes plummeting in the UK, the pub’s occupants felt it was an appropriate time to use the space for those in need.
“We just believe that there shouldn't be food insecurity in one of the richest cities in the world. It's just completely unacceptable,” said a fundraiser for the project, Miriam Instone.
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In recognition of their efforts, Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Russ McPherson, awarded the kitchen workers with a Volunteer of Cambridge award, applauding them for giving their time for free.
The kitchen draws on the organising methods of other community kitchens. Having volunteered in Calais’ Refugee Community Kitchen, one of its founders was keen to transfer what she’d learnt there about the ethos of ‘solidarity not charity’.
“Our approach is one of mutual respect for our neighbours,” Miriam explained. “We have a big, beautiful space available and therefore we should use it to give back or offer a hand to people who might not have the facilities to cook themselves nutritious meals.”
When they discovered the building, totally abandoned, the kitchen still included the original pub catering equipment: deep-fat fryers, ovens, gas hobs and cooking implements that permit them to cook in bulk.
After cleaning it all up to meet official hygiene standards, they set about contacting local businesses and food banks to ask for donations.
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With the donated produce they cook up curries and stews with a healthy carbohydrate base. Everything is halal and suitable to vegans, ensuring that it is suitable for a diverse range of community members.
The hot food is packaged up in compostable boxes and delivered by bike or car to vulnerable or disadvantaged community members throughout the week. To cover the costs of packaging, Myriam organises ticketed concerts hosted by the pub, where neighbours can discover local artists.
To support the community kitchen, donate or subscribe to offer monthly support here.
For more information visit cckitchen.uk.
