Pay-as-you-feel cafe in Dalston “Save the Date” celebrates its one-year of battle against food waste this Saturday.
Consumer culture encourages us to get rid of the old and rotten, without any second thought. The soon-to-be year-old cafe Save the Date in Dalston has a better method: re-use food until nothing is left. “I don’t like the term “waste” which has negative connotations- I’d rather use “surplus food”, states James, the mastermind behind this project. In this unusual restaurant -where experience is valued more than money- you “pay as you feel” while homeless can enjoy their meal for free.
In a country which wastes one third of its food, it’s a relief to see a few of us feel concerned… Not only does Save the Date help to reduce food waste, it is also a feel-good restaurant that encourages encounters with others. As you enter the community cafe, you emerge in a colourful and peaceful place where you soon forget all the grumpy faces and traffic noise. There is a nicely kept bee garden outside with tables and seats for the sunny days –you have a few months to get excited about this part- and a winter shed, entirely funded by donations. The shed still needs some amelioration: James plans to add a big communal table instead of separate ones and also wants to make the place warmer for the visitor’s comfort.
Nevertheless, the kindness and generosity floating in the air is sufficient to warm you up. As I entered the room, the volunteers all introduced themselves and happily explained the concept of this non-profit place. I felt comfortable enough to sit down with strangers and join their conversation as they were welcoming me as well. The decorations and art exposed in the room are donations from students who used waste food as a source of inspiration. This whole mix of wonderful ideas builds up a cosy and feel-at-home atmosphere; and I haven’t even mentioned the best part yet! THE FOOD.
Who knew waste could look and taste so good? James explains that as a former chef, he wanted to produce Michelin-like meals that would break down the stigma of unwanted food. This is part of his most important and essential values- and to my opinion, it comes as a big surprise to the client. The menu is always 100% vegan, with a few exceptions where they host BBQs. The day I came, there was a choice of vegetable soup, feta and mozzarella wraps, lentil stew and spicy salads. I wanted to try them all but was satisfied with my final pick: the warm soup. A colourful mix of greens with two pieces of soft bread was quickly served on a wooden platter. The food couldn’t have made me think less of garbage- it looked more like it came from a food porn website.
Save the Date are hosting a special event this Saturday 28th of November, from 2 PM.
If you want to try out a restaurant where you don’t feel like you’re just a pound symbol, come along to find out more about this wonderful community space.
Save the date: November 28!
Where? Abbot St, London E8 3DP
Find them on Facebook by clicking HERE and like their page to receive the latest news!
Show your support for stopping food waste in the UK by signing the 38 Degree's petition HERE !!