Alex had an air of familiarity and ease about her. June was one of her busiest months of the year, and considering later that night her team would be catering for over one thousand covers all over London, she appeared relaxed and excited about the evening ahead.

Alex started Social Pantry in 2011. She explained how she had never loved school, having been expelled for generally misbehaving, so when she started cooking she knew this was what she was meant to be doing. Alex opened her first café in Battersea whilst running a successful event catering arm of the business, and has since opened bricks and mortar in Peckham and Sir John Soane’s Pitzhanger Manor, Ealing.

What stands out about Social Pantry is how forward thinking they are. They’ve been waving the sustainable and socially responsible flag since day one, being especially proud of working with ex-offenders in rehabilitation programmes by offering full and part time positions as well as three-day work placements. Not only this, but they use local suppliers, serving the best sustainably sourced fresh food to their customers.

Alex’s passion for food is evident as she talked to us about how she created the menu for our Falcon Feast. The brief was simple; we wanted delicious, fresh and seasonal food that was fit for a feast and could be served in large sharing bowls. The evening saw an array of salads with jewel-like colours popping out against white enamel plates. The dishes were served on our Serving Trays and Salad Bowls, meaning guests would help themselves and serve each other, encouraging a friendly and informal atmosphere. organic roast chicken was served to compliment the various salads available, and roasted Broccoli steak was on offer for those who preferred a vegan option.