Andi Oliver to lead fundraising kitchen takeover at HMP Brixton’s Clink Restaurant

Television presenter and food writer Andi Oliver will host a one-off kitchen takeover at The Clink Restaurant inside HMP Brixton tomorrow evening, in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the charity’s rehabilitation work with people who are behind bars.

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, operates hospitality training programmes within prisons, with the aim of reducing reoffending by equipping inmates with vocational skills and supporting them into employment following their release. As well as the restaurant at HMP Brixton, the charity runs an artisanal bakery at the same site, horticulture training programmes at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, and Clink Events, a social enterprise catering operation serving venues across London. The charity also runs a community-based training café in South London aimed at young people considered at risk of entering the justice system.

In 2025, the charity trained almost 400 people, delivered 420 NVQ qualifications, catered for 239 events and provided more than 22,000 training hours for its students.

Thursday’s ticketed event, priced at £80 per person, will begin at 6.30pm, with doors opening at 5.45pm. Attendees will be served a three-course menu curated by Oliver, along with a mocktail. The chef, who is currently in her third year as host of the BBC’s Great British Menu and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet and The Food Programme, said she had long admired the charity’s work. “I am so thrilled to be coming back to The Clink at Brixton in April to host this special kitchen takeover,” she said. “The Clink is a charity I have followed for a long time. Their passion for helping vulnerable people to get back on their feet through learning how to cook fantastic food is so inspiring and I can’t wait to get involved!”.

Donna-Marie Edmonds, chief executive of The Clink Charity, welcomed Oliver’s involvement and highlighted the significance of the funds raised:

“We are beyond excited that Andi is generously giving us her time to come to The Clink and host what I am certain will be a joyous and memorable evening. Andi’s support will help shine a light on the life-changing impact of our work and the importance of rehabilitation. Every pound raised will help us continue supporting people in prison to build skills, confidence and a more positive future.”

The event reflects a broader effort by The Clink to engage public figures in drawing attention to the role of vocational training in reducing reoffending rates. The charity’s model centres on providing accredited qualifications and structured mentoring to prisoners, with the goal of improving employment prospects upon release and, in turn, lowering the likelihood of reoffending.

Food Desk

Andi Oliver’s kitchen takeover takes places on 23^rd April 2026 at The Clink Restaurant Brixton, HMP Brixton, Jebb Avenue, London SW2 5XF. For further information or to book tickets, visit here.

For further information about The Clink Charity, visit their website here.