Poppies to launch battered yule log in Soho to support Thames Reach this Christmas

Poppies Fish & Chips is launching a limited-edition Christmas delight: a battered chocolate yule log. Available throughout December at its Soho branch in London, the dessert is part of a seasonal campaign supporting Thames Reach, a charity working to end rough sleeping in the capital, with all proceeds from the special donated to the organisation. The festive treat is served as three mini chocolate logs coated in batter, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla gelato. Priced at £8.95, it’s available for both dine-in and takeaway from 1^st to 31^st December at Poppies on Old Compton Street.

The initiative comes amid a continuing rise in homelessness. According to figures cited in the charity’s campaign, more than 13,000 people were recorded sleeping rough in the city last year, marking a 250% increase over the past decade. Thames Reach, which supports people experiencing homelessness through outreach, housing, mental health services and employment programmes, worked with over 16,000 individuals in 2023. Bill Tidnam, chief executive, welcomed the collaboration. “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Poppies, whose commitment to their local community aligns perfectly with our mission to end rough sleeping in London,” he said. “Their fundraising support will help us to maintain and grow our services for people affected by homelessness. We’re especially grateful that Poppies will be supporting our residents over Christmas with a warm fish and chips meal and providing an employability day for several of our service users. Together, we can make a real difference, helping people who are homeless or vulnerable to find a decent home, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. We’re also very excited to try the special Christmas yule log! Thank you Poppies!”

A spokesperson for Poppies said: “We’ve battered many things in our time, but this one really takes the Christmas cake. It’s fun, festive and downright delicious. But most importantly, it supports a cause close to our hearts. Christmas is a time for togetherness, and in the spirit of giving back to the community we love, Poppies is proud to partner with Thames Reach. We hope this helps make the season a little brighter and opens the door to a more positive future for the people they support.”

Food Desk

The battered yule log is available from 1^st until 31^st December 2025 at Poppies Fish & Chips Soho, 55-59 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HW. For further information or to book a table, visit their website here.

Further information about Thames Reach, visit the charity’s website here.