No Offence But You’re Food’s Great!

York’s newest social enterprise, The Larder Club, an eatery focussed upon supporting the rehabilitation of women offenders, has opened in the city, providing a new watering hole for tourists.

Based at at 3 Blake Street, the high-end Italian deli will sell a range of retail products as well as offering a sit down or take out experience including antipasti platters, high quality speciality coffee and authentic Italian gelato.

Working closely alongside HMP Askham Grange, The Larder Club is focussed upon supporting the rehabilitation of women offenders by funding work placements and employment opportunities within a quality and professional environment.

The Larder Club will also fund barista skills training for women offenders, equipping them with the art of creating great speciality coffee and a skill to increase employment opportunities within a growing industry.

The Larder Club has a focus on responsible sourcing, working with other social enterprises and sourcing produce locally where possible. Key suppliers include Haxby Bakehouse, Lishman’s of Ilkley & North Star Coffee Roasters to name but a few.

The idea behind the social enterprise came from Laura Gallery whose background in law, charity sector work and safeguarding brought her into contact with some of the most vulnerable individuals within our society and hearing their stories underlines some of the issues prevalent in our world - faced by individuals - everyday - right on our doorsteps.

Some of these stories belonged to women offenders, among whom vulnerability is particularly stark for so many different reasons, including experiences of abuse, mental health issues and impact upon children and family.

Laura commented: ”I feel passionately about empowering women to change their lives for the better and I decided to do something about it...so here is The Larder Club. Being York born and bred I love what Yorkshire as a county has to offer but I am also in love with Italy, where I've spent some brilliant times enjoying great coffee, wine & fantastic food.

"I want to offer our customers a great experience enjoying a taste of Italy whilst helping a cause that is close to my heart – the rehabilitation of women offenders.”

The Larder Club opens 8am – 6pm Tuesday-Saturday. It is also available for private events on Thursday evenings. Now taking bookings at booking@thelarderclub.com‬ ‬‬