West End private members' clubs help feed London's homeless

Some of London’s elite private members’ clubs including celebrity haunts Annabel’s and Harry’s Bar have joined forces to help feed the homeless at a West End Church.

Annabel’s, George, Harry’s Bar and Mark’s Club have all joined an initiative that started in the depths of the pandemic lockdown in 2020.

The service offers lunch twice a week in a large dining room. It is already supported with donations of food from five-star hotels including the Connaught, Claridges and the Mandarin Oriental.

The addition of the West End private members’ clubs will mean the service can continue to serve around 140 people per week.

Volunteers led by Father Dominic Robinson, parish priest of Mount Street Jesuit Centre at Farm Street, refer to the homeless diners as guests and serve them sitting at tables.

This week the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby, helped serve lunch to around 75 people on a visit to the Central London Catholic Churches Homeless lunch service run from Farm Street Church.

The Lord Mayor donned an apron to serve lunch of chicken, fried rice with mixed vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy, and lemon cake and cream.

The Lord Mayor said: “Talking to people having lunch at the Farm Street centre it’s clear the reasons why people end up sleeping rough or facing homelessness are complex and varied. While some may have substance problems in the past, for others it can just be bad luck or family rifts that mean they fall through the cracks.

“The hospitality trade has been great and Father Dominic deserves credit for getting the private members’ clubs involved. They are showing a real commitment to the wider community which should be applauded.”

Father Dominic said: “Thanks to our food donors and an amazing band of volunteers we can keep providing food and I hope a sense of dignity to people who have ended up homeless.

“While our service took off in the pandemic, it is great to see that spirit of community continuing. Thank you to the private members’ clubs for joining our team – your contribution is making a significant difference.”