Ebury Edge by Fat Macy's represented a unique and impactful chapter in the social enterprise's mission to combat homelessness through culinary training and employment. Located in Pimlico, London, this venture was Fat Macy's first dedicated restaurant and deli, serving as a vibrant hub for both community engagement and transformative social good.
Opened as a "meanwhile use" project within the innovative Ebury Edge development, the restaurant was situated in a temporary space managed by Meanwhile Space CIC (Community Interest Company) on behalf of Westminster City Council. Ebury Edge itself was a visionary, temporary urban development designed to activate the Ebury Bridge Estate during its phased regeneration. It brought together community spaces, affordable retail units, and a café – which Fat Macy's proudly anchored. The entire structure was notably designed for demountability and potential re-assembly elsewhere, reflecting its temporary nature within the broader redevelopment plans.
At Ebury Edge, Fat Macy's offered a delectable menu of Middle-Eastern-inspired sharing plates, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beyond the dine-in experience, the venue also featured a deli section selling artisan goods and natural wines. Crucially, this wasn't just a restaurant; it was an active training ground and a core component of Fat Macy's social mission. Individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those residing in temporary accommodation, gained invaluable culinary and front-of-house experience by working alongside professional chefs and hospitality teams. This hands-on training was a vital step in their journey towards gaining confidence, skills, and ultimately, securing a housing deposit to move into independent living.
The restaurant at Ebury Edge exemplified how temporary urban interventions can create significant social value, providing essential services and opportunities within a community undergoing transition. While the Ebury Edge location served its purpose as a temporary home for Fat Macy's restaurant operations, facilitating a critical phase of their growth and impact, Fat Macy's has since evolved. Their restaurant arm, now known as Sohaila, has found a new, permanent home in Shoreditch, continuing to champion their mission through culinary excellence and social change.
