IslingtonLife pops down to the new cafe in the Cally to find out how they’re creating delicious meals using surplus food

Found in the heart of the Cally, Jean’s Cafe is proving that food can do good for people and planet.

Launched in February, as part of a partnership between Islington Council and Manor Gardens Welfare Trust, this plant-based community cafe runs on a ‘pay what you can’ model, making fresh, nourishing meals accessible to all while championing sustainability.

Inspired by the legacy of local activist Jean Stokes, the cafe brings people together every Friday at 1pm, fostering connections over food while tackling food waste through surplus donations from local businesses.

“Everything we serve is vegetarian or vegan,” explains Robin Campbell, community food coordinator. “A big part of our ethos is reducing the environmental impact of food. We think about how far ingredients have travelled, how much waste is created, and how we can make plant-based meals approachable for everyone.”

That commitment to sustainability is reflected in the cafe’s zero-waste approach. Every Friday, volunteers craft a three-course meal from donated food, and any leftovers go into a community pantry for residents to take home.

“One woman told me she had never cooked with leeks before, but after tasting a dish we made, she went home and recreated it,” Robin adds. “That’s what we love – showing people how to use ingredients creatively and minimise waste.

“It’s also about creating a space where people feel seen and supported. One visitor told me she’d been struggling with loneliness, and being here made her feel she wasn’t alone. That’s what community is all about.”

As well as rustling up delicious, eco-friendly meals, Jean’s Cafe empowers people with food education, including through monthly workshops. “We started with a kimchi-making workshop, teaching the art of fermentation,” Robin continues. “One resident brought a huge jar but only filled a little, then went home and made more using our recipe.”

Jean’s Cafe thrives thanks to its dedicated team of 25 volunteers, and they’re always looking for more hands to help. “We’d love more people to join us, whether it’s cooking, serving, or just being part of the community. If you’re passionate about food, sustainability, or bringing people together, Jean’s Cafe is the perfect place to get involved!”

Follow @jeans.cafe.cally to get involved with this amazing community initiative.