Plateful Café

In the heart of Lewisham, a vibrant borough known for its welcoming spirit, Plateful Café stands as a beacon of community and diversity. Inspired by the transformative power of food, Plateful Café is more than just a dining experience; it's a celebration of culture, talent, and unity. Here's a glimpse into the story behind this unique establishment and its journey so far.

Plateful Café was born out of a desire to break down barriers and bring communities together through the universal language of food. Situated in Lewisham, the first borough of sanctuary in the UK, the café proudly supports refugees and asylum seekers, offering them opportunities to rebuild their lives through training and employment in the catering sector. The community's support has been unwavering, with locals attending monthly community dinners, purchasing artisan products, and engaging Plateful Café's services for private catering events.

Among the café's offerings, the monthly dinners have become a standout favourite, attracting over 500 customers and raising more than £10,000 for charity. These dinners feature unique dishes from Iran and Syria, crafted by local refugees using traditional recipes that are otherwise unavailable in the borough. Celebrations of cultural festivals like Nowruz and Yalda add a special touch, with the dining hall adorned with traditional Iranian artefacts and themed dishes like barley soup and korme sabzi.

Plateful Café prides itself on the quality and sustainability of its offerings. Each dish is prepared fresh, using the finest vegetables, fruits, spices, and condiments to ensure a unique taste and exceptional flavours. The café's commitment extends to sustainability practices, with no food or ingredients wasted and a focus on using locally sourced produce.

Despite its successes, Plateful Café faces challenges typical of small businesses. The absence of a commercial kitchen poses difficulties in catering for large events, as operations are currently run from a domestic kitchen. Attracting the necessary funding to rent a commercial kitchen and hire a part-time Kitchen Manager has been tough without a proven track record. However, the café continues to forge partnerships with local hospitality businesses, using their venues to host monthly community dinners.

Looking ahead, Plateful Café is buzzing with excitement over upcoming projects. With Christmas around the corner, the café is preparing to launch its Christmas products, promising unique gifts and flavours. A recent successful dinner at Pistachio in the Park has paved the way for a long-term partnership, and the café is set to host its first dinner at Stansted Lodge Senior Club soon. The community is invited to support these initiatives by attending the dinners or purchasing the distinctive Christmas offerings.

Plateful Café embodies the spirit of Lewisham—a community that celebrates diversity and supports growth. As it continues to evolve, the café remains committed to its mission of bringing people together through the joy of food.