Six independent London restaurants receive financial boost to bolster businesses

Backed by American Express, the International Downtown Association (IDA) in partnership with the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM) has awarded equal shares of £69k to six small restaurants across London to help improve their businesses.

Now in its second year, Backing International Small Restaurants runs in five major cities around the world: London, Mexico City, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto. The programme aims to highlight the important role independent restaurants play in their communities and provides them with valuable support to succeed.

Over 100 restaurants London-wide applied for the grant, with six selected by the IDA and ATCM to each receive a grant of £11.5k. The funding means each venue can make a range of essential improvements, such as upgrading their restaurant operations, investing in digital capabilities and revitalising dining spaces.

The programme grant recipients in London for 2023 are:

• Buster Mantis, a Jamaican and British fusion restaurant in Deptford, also offers live music and community art space for local groups.
• The Goods Office, an all-day independent café, bar and restaurant in the heart of Stroud Green, North London.
• The Sound Lounge, a vegan hub in Sutton, bringing together the local community to celebrate delicious plant-based food.
• Canvas & Cream, a “quirky” restaurant, gallery and event space situated in the heart of Forest Hill’s artist community.
• Casuarina Tree, a restaurant and hotel in Mitcham that’s been serving authentic Sri Lankan and Indian Cuisine for over a decade.
• Chuku’s, founded by a brother and sister duo, to celebrate the best of Nigerian cuisine and culture, located in Tottenham.

American Express research revealed a continued appetite among consumers to support local independent restaurants; almost three quarters of diners (73 per cent) believe that small independent venues play a critical role in maintaining vibrant and diverse communities.

Furthermore, about three-fifths (61 per cent) say they are choosing to dine at local restaurants to support them in a challenging economy.

Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “We’re proud to back one of the UK’s most dynamic and resilient sectors through this new grant funding.

“Small, independent restaurants play an important role in local communities so American Express is thrilled to offer this boost to help them continue to thrive into the future. I’m looking forward to seeing these enterprising ideas being put into action.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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