Visiting Chef Scheme

Sufra NW London Visiting Chef Scheme

Community Kitchen

Every Friday evening, Sufra NW London’s Community Kitchen hosts a 3-course, vegetarian meal for our food bank guests. Using a mixture of donated and purchased ingredients, Prince, our in-house chef, and a team of volunteers prepare and serve a sumptuous meal for up to 50 people comprising a starter, main and dessert.

What is the Visiting Chef Scheme?

Sufra NW London would like to invite a ‘Visiting Chef’ on a monthly basis to prepare and cook a special menu on a Friday evening, with the support of Prince and our volunteers.

You don’t have to be a ‘professional’ chef but we do ask you to bring and share your culinary talent with our staff, volunteers and guests. We’re particularly interested in ethnic and specialist cuisines that are not normally served at the Community Kitchen.

What do I have to do?

You will volunteer to design, plan and oversee the preparation of a 3-course meal at our Community Kitchen on a Friday evening. If you’re up to the challenge, get in touch with us and we’ll let you know what dates are available.

On Wednesday afternoon, two days before the Community Kitchen, we will send you a list of fresh and larder ingredients we have in stock, by no later than 4pm. You can then design a menu incorporating some or all of the ingredients, as well as any additional ingredients you would like us to purchase. Please note that our weekly budget is £50 for 50 people, so try and make good use of the donated supplies in stock!

We request that you send us a menu and a list of all the ingredients you require by 4:00pm on Thursdays. We will then arrange for additional ingredients to be purchased in advance of the Community Kitchen on Friday.

You should arrive on Friday by 3pm to meet our in-house chef and volunteers. You then have until 6pm to prepare a 3-course meal. Your role is to lead on the cooking, but there will be lots of hands to help! Service commences at 6:30pm and ends at 8:00pm.

Do I have to make a regular commitment?

No – this scheme is designed as a one-off volunteering opportunity. All we ask is that you fulfil your commitment when you sign up to assist, as otherwise we won’t have anything to serve our hungry guests!

Can I come with a friend? You’re welcome to volunteer with a friend. However, we cannot accept larger volunteer groups as part of this opportunity, although you can bring your friends and family to experience the Community Kitchen and sample your gastronomic achievements!

Is there anything else I need to be aware of?

The Community Kitchen is a vegetarian service. As part of our inclusive policy, we refrain from using alcohol or nuts in any of our dishes.

Our kitchen facilities include basic catering equipment. If you think you’ll need any specialist equipment, please ask.

How do I sign up?

If you’re ready to sign up as a Visiting Chef, please contact us on 020 3441 1335 or email admin@sufra- nwlondon.org.uk.