Celebrity chef Monica Galetti is launching a brand new social enterprise restaurant in west London. The acclaimed chef will serve as executive chef at 130 Primrose, a restaurant located in Primrose Hill that aims to employ and train individuals impacted by homelessness.
Empowering Through Employment
The restaurant will provide six-month contracts for front-of-house and kitchen positions, with recruits sourced through partner charities including The Big Issue, Crisis, Beam, Soup Kitchen London, and Only A Pavement Away. Employees will receive support from the restaurant upon completing their contracts, helping them transition into long-term careers in hospitality.
Galetti expressed her passion for the project: 'I’ve seen first-hand how, with the right support, people can rediscover hope, dignity and purpose through opportunities like this. That’s why I didn’t hesitate when I was asked to help shape the culinary future of this incredible project.'
Menu and Culinary Direction
While day-to-day operations will be managed by head chef Eric Zhang, Galetti will be responsible for devising the menu. The cuisine will focus on seasonal British ingredients prepared with a Mediterranean flair. Galetti plans to later incorporate touches of her Samoan heritage, offering trainees a unique development opportunity.
'My first task is to create an exciting new menu that attracts customers to support our mission - celebrating the best British seasonal ingredients with a little twist of fun. Later, I’ll weave in touches of my Samoan heritage, giving our trainees a unique development opportunity and helping them to stand out when they move on in their career in hospitality,' Galetti added.
Opening Details
130 Primrose will open on May 8 at 130 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 8XL. The restaurant will offer all-day dining from breakfast through dinner, and a basement cocktail bar is scheduled to open later in the month. This initiative not only brings a new dining destination to Primrose Hill but also serves as a platform for social change, providing valuable skills and opportunities to those who need them most.
