The Clink Restuarant, which will be run by inmates, opens this week.
London’s first ever prison restaurant is set to open later this week.
The Clink Restaurant, at Brixton Prison, will be open for lunch from February 27.
The restaurant is modelled on its successful predecessors at prisons in Surrey and Cardiff, where over 18,000 people have dinned over the last three years.
The Clink Charity aims to reduce reoffending rates by challenging the public’s perception and giving prisoners the opportunity to gain a real-life experience in the catering industry.
The prison’s catering manager, Alberto Crisci, told the Independent: “Once I started working with the inmates and saw their talents and got to know them I realised they are like you and me.
“The only difference is that they made a mistake, committed a crime and ended up in prison. I could see that some of them, with help, could easily turn their backs on crime and get a job on the outside.”
Prisoners who are close to the end of their term can learn skills helping them back into employment prior to release.
The menu will include modern British dishes with a focus on seasonal produce. It will open for lunch next Thursday, with its usual opening hours being 7.15am-9.15am for breakfast and 12pm-12.30pm for lunch, Monday-Friday.
Beware of the strict guidelines when visiting and be prepared to bring your cheque book as the restaurant doesn’t accept cards or cash.
Click here to make a booking online.
Photo courtesy of sarflondondunc, with thanks.
Follow us @SW_Londoner
