hen we think of food we often think about the flavour , the presentation or even sustainability . But do we ever consider its further impact , for example the positive impact it can have on our communities ? How it brings people together , how it showcases local suppliers and how it can benefit others ?

Louisa Daley chats to Rachael Boraston , head of destination , UK at London Convention Bureau and Meg Doherty , founder at Fat Macy ’ s to gain some insight into how London leaves this exact impact on its own community .

International and local communities

“ Nothing brings people together more than the shared experience of food and flavour ,” says Boraston .

“ There ’ s a certain theatre with food , and for events especially it ’ s a real talking point . We all love a chef ’ s table or a feasting menu and sharing our taste preferences with one another . So , when you plan the

Meg Doherty

catering for an event , you need to keep that in mind , particularly as we emerge from the pandemic – we are all looking for that human interaction ,” she adds .

In a multi-cultural city like London , food not only brings people together – it brings communities together as well . “ London is , without a doubt , one of the most multi-cultural cities out there . We have so many nationalities and spoken languages , there are so many different cultures and communities ,” says Boraston .

Boraston tells me London ’ s venues and hoteliers like to showcase this international , community influence through food . “ From our bustling Chinatown to Soho , which caters for virtually every culture – like Hoppers for Sri Lankan or Borealis for Nordic ; to Brick Lane , known as Curry Mile ; and Borough Market for local artisanal producers – London offers an explosion of flavour and

“ Giving back doesn ’ t always have to be these grand charitable gestures . It can be as easy as buying food from a business that has a social purpose and social impact .”

– Meg Doherty

Rachel Boraston

culture ,” she explains . According to Boraston , this variety of food and culture encourages international delegates to visit the city , whilst encouraging Londoners to explore different cultures .

“ Food is a lovely way to unify people . It showcases cultures and communities in a very accessible and delicious way ,” adds Boraston .

Wider than that , London ’ s food scene also brings together its local supplier community . From venues such as Hyatt Place London City East , who utilise local produce and staff , to suppliers like Waste Knot , who also use local produce alongside surplus food to create menus – London uses food to bring its whole communities and supply chains together .

Corporate social responsibility

Whilst food can bring communities together , it can also give back to them . Take Fat Macy ’ s as an