A Hackney chef who was awarded a British Empire Medal for running soup kitchens during the pandemic has opened a third cafe and patisserie in Highbury.
Humdingers Catering started out serving weddings, events and location shoots for fashion brands from Alexander McQueen to Gucci and Vogue.
But during Covid, the Hoxton Street business ran a social enterprise soup kitchen and food bank to feed the local community, alongside delivering meals to NHS workers at the Royal London Hospital and Homerton ambulance crews.
Robert Hunningher's generous gesture earned him a BEM from the Queen in 2022, and prompted the vicar of St Anne's Church Hoxton to write on their board: "Thanks to Humdingers for spreading love throughout the community."
A second bakery and cafe opened in Hornsey Road, near Crouch Hill last year, and now Hunningher, who grew up in Highbury and attended St John's Primary School, has opened his third patisserie in Highbury Park.
Based in a former fishmongers which dates back to the 1900s, it features original salvaged wall tiles, a vintage aesthetic, and serves baked goods and coffee.
Like the other outlets it has a vision to bring unpretentious, delicious food to as many people as possible and will offer free meals to anyone in the community who is in need.
Humdingers Catering and bakery continues to serve up regular free soup, sourdough and veggie curries from its Hoxton Street base.
The Dalston resident, who worked at L’Escargot Restaurant and the River Café before launching his own business, told the Ham&High last year: "We get a real mixed bunch coming in. There's kids whose parents work nights and who never get a hot meal. Everyone is welcome, we don't judge anyone, there's no religion or politics."
As the business grows, Humdingers continues to pursue a purpose-over-profit mindset and find ways to be of service to the community and society.
Mr Hunningher added: “It’s about playing our part to ensure no-one in our community goes hungry or is stuck at a disadvantage. This will also hopefully inspire other businesses to act in a similar way, to always be mindful of their surrounding community and what they can do to help."
Humdingers Highbury is at 88 Highbury Park, Highbury and is open from 8am to 8pm.
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