Operators continue to offer support to NHS and the vulnerable

As Leon continues to add additional layers to its community support campaign, London-based operators Labtech London, Farmer J and Crosstown Doughnuts have also announced new initiatives to support communities throughout the city.

Leon

Following the decision to transform its restaurants into shops selling pre-prepared meals, grocery products and other supplies, Leon has announced that it will also be operating a delivery service to hospitals, houses and supermarkets, and that all the profits made during the coronavirus pandemic will be donated to the NHS.

The brand has agreed a partnership with 300 Sainsbury’s stores, and is in the process of redirecting the supply chain that would usually service the food industry, to help keeps shelves stocked.

“What we want to do is what we’ve always done,” John Vincent, CEO told BBC Radio 4.

“We want to make it easier for everyone to eat well. We have customers saying they haven’t got food, including people in the NHS. A lot of our shops are near hospitals and we want to continue to serve those people.”

“If we do make a profit, 100% of it will go to the NHS,” he said.

Labtech London

Labtech London, the company behind Camden Market, is transforming its Camden Kitchen into a part-time soup kitchen to provide meals for the homeless, a particularly vulnerable group during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of a range of initiatives, the group is partnering with The Camden Soup Kitchen the provide them with a space to cook three days a week.

The group is also offering complimentary co-living apartments for NHS workers and their families, the elderly, and those at a high risk of eviction from across its Camden estate, and will be offering Camden House as a common room – serving free coffee, tea and breakfast - for the emergency services to use during their breaks.

“London is facing a unique challenge and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to help,” said Yaron Shahar, Labtech’s CEO. “These initiatives from LabTech provide assistance where it is needed in the community, and we will continue to investigate other ways in which we can provide further support at this crucial time.”

Labtech operates as a multi-faceted property and technology company. Its property portfolio includes Camden Market, London-based commercial buildings, shared-office venture labs and the co-living concept, Stay.

Farmer J

Café and restaurant operator Farmer J has announced the upcoming launch of a grocery and prepared meal delivery service.

The service, called ‘The Farmer’s Market,’ will delivery Farmer J menu items as well as recipes, groceries, and sauces to those unable to leave the house.

“When we said we’ve got you, we meant it,” it said in a post on its Twitter. “Launching very soon… The Farmer’s Market. Groceries, Farm Boxes, Recipes & our famous Forkin’ sauces and marinades delivered straight to your door. So no excuses, stay home.”

Crosstown Donuts

London-based doughnut concept Crosstown has launched #operationdoughnation, an initiative to donate to NHS workers across six London hospitals.

In partnership with The Estate Dairy and Millers Bakery, the brand is encouraging people to anonymously donate groceries and donuts to frontline workers, which it will package and deliver.

“Donate some donught love,” it said in a statement on its website.

“Many of us are undoubtedly feeling helpless in these times of such uncertainty. We’d like to do our small bit by bringing a smile to people’s faces, especially to those on the frontline of health services.