A cookery school where everyone can cook, learn new skills, connect with their community, and enjoy food together.
Since its doors opened in May 2018, the Community Kitchen has been a lifeline for those facing food insecurity and social isolation in Brighton & Hove. The kitchen provides essential food support and empowers individuals and families to take control of their health and well-being. With over 6400 people in Brighton & Hove relying on emergency food support and families living on a meager £8.53 per person weekly food budget, the need for such services is greater than ever. The Community Kitchen tackles these issues head-on by offering practical cookery skills and fostering social interaction. To sustain its vital work, the kitchen offers cookery classes with local chefs, rents out its space, and hosts parties and team-building events.
The Kitchen has hosted 1,000+ community sessions for people in need including people living with dementia, learning disabilities, physical and mental health conditions, families on low incomes, refugees, carers and many more.
Vital Cookery Skills and Nourishing Meals
The increasing cost of living has made it difficult for many households in Brighton to afford nutritious food. The Community Kitchen has been instrumental in addressing this by offering affordable, nutritious meals and teaching vital cooking skills. By providing practical guidance on using store cupboard essentials, low-energy cooking, and reducing food waste, the kitchen has empowered individuals to make the most of their resources. The kitchen’s 5-week course Food Foundations was designed with this in mind focussing on a different skill in the kitchen each week from salads to baking to soups.
After attending our cookery courses 58% of people cook more from scratch and 69% eat more vegetables.
Building Community and Promoting Well-being
Beyond its food-related services, the Community Kitchen has played a crucial role in fostering community and promoting mental health. The shared meals and social interactions during cooking classes have helped reduce loneliness and isolation. Additionally, the kitchen runs Nourish a community course specifically aimed at promoting better mental health through cookery, shared meals, and time outdoors in nature. Participants have reported increased feelings of happiness, connection, and self-worth.
“The space improves my mental health… I can now stay calmer with food and focus on enjoying the process, preparing some things in advance and not worrying if I have the exact ingredient or if I get the timing exactly right. I now have more confidence to make a meal out of a variety of ingredients and make swaps in recipes”- A Participant on our Nourish course
Who do we support
We offer a variety of cooking classes designed to meet the needs of diverse individuals and groups. We regularly host sessions for refugees, people on low income, school children, people with long-term health conditions, and those living with dementia. Our classes cover topics such as low-energy cooking, homemade takeaways, utilising surplus food, and batch cooking. We also partner with other local organisations to provide tailored cooking workshops and support.
“The recipes I have learned have been so helpful for me and have opened my eyes to cooking with different vegetables and ingredients. This is very helpful when I get ingredients I don’t know what to do with from the foodbank.”- A past participant
Our Evening Cookery Classes and parties: A Culinary Journey
Embark on a culinary adventure and support our work with our evening cookery classes, parties and team-building events led by some of Brighton and Hove’s top chefs and cookery teachers. Discover the diverse flavours of the world, from the delicate Bao Buns of Asia to the vibrant spices of South Indian cuisine, the fiery heat of Mexican dishes to the rich traditions of West African cooking. Learn to prepare delicious meals, pick up expert tips and tricks, and hear fascinating food stories from our talented chefs. And the best part? No washing up! At the end of each session sit back, relax, and savour your delicious creations around our communal dining table.
How to Support the Community Kitchen
- Donations: Your financial support can help ensure the kitchen’s continued operation and reach more individuals in need.
- Volunteering: Lend your time and skills to help run the kitchen’s programs.
- Attend a Class: Buy a ticket for one of our evening and weekend classes and learn new cooking techniques from some of Brighton & Hove’s best chefs and cookery teachers.
- Hire the Space: Host your next event at the Community Kitchen and contribute to its mission. We host Team Building events, hen do’s, community groups and parties.
The Community Kitchen in Brighton is a shining example of how a social enterprise can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and communities. By addressing food insecurity, promoting healthy eating habits, and fostering community, the kitchen has become an indispensable resource for the city.
