Searcys takes over management of Brigade

Catering company Searcys has taken over the day-to-day management of social enterprise restaurant Brigade Bar + Kitchen in London Bridge.

On making the announcement, the company confirmed its continued commitment to founder Simon Boyle’s Beyond Food Foundation, Searcys’ charity partner since 2018.

Housed in the capital’s oldest fire station on Tooley Street, Brigade offers an all-day menu of British classics. Founded in 2004, the Beyond Food charity supports young people by providing work placements, training and development courses – predominantly in the hospitality sector – with the aim of helping individuals into full-time employment.

Paul Jackson, Searcys’ managing director, said: “As a company, we are committed to acting with a social purpose and we understand the important role food can play as a catalyst for change in the community. As we celebrate our milestone 175th anniversary, we have pledged to raise £175,000 for charities and social causes and as such our partnership with Beyond Food and The Brigade couldn’t have come at a better time.

“The Searcys team have already raised thousands of pounds for Beyond Food and we are honoured to be able to contribute to their success even further by providing Brigade with our operational, sales and marketing expertise to open the restaurant to even more diners, including our loyal Searcys customers. This partnership will bring our teams closer to the important work of the Foundation and allow us to experience the positive impact of social enterprise first hand.”

Simon Boyle, chef-founder of Brigade Bar + Kitchen, added: “Having worked closely with Searcys for over four years, I can say with confidence our vision to use food as a stimulus for social change is totally aligned. It’s going to be incredible to be able to offer our programme beneficiaries the opportunity to learn new skills and reshape their lives through practical experience and work opportunities with Searcys.”