The Urban Farmer Project, an ambitious sustainability and food security initiative, has launched in the City of London, transforming a former nightclub into a community kitchen, education hub, and marketplace. The project, founded by London’s Community Kitchen in partnership with Fleet Street Quarter BID and Landsec, aims to combat food waste, address food insecurity, and promote sustainable urban farming.
A key player in bringing the kitchen to life is TWO Services, a leading provider of commercial kitchen maintenance and cleaning, which has partnered with Thomas Franks, the contract catering company supporting the project through the Thomas Franks Foundation. Together, they have ensured that the kitchen is fully functional, compliant, and ready to produce thousands of meals for some of London’s most vulnerable communities.
Delivering a fully operational kitchen for a greater cause
As part of the initiative, the Urban Farmer Project kitchen will produce over 20,000 meals during the festive season alone, using surplus food redistributed by City Harvest. With a focus on creating nutritious meals while reducing food waste, the project is pioneering a circular economy model that turns unused ingredients into high-quality, chef-prepared dishes.
To make this possible, TWO Services contributed labour and parts free of charge, ensuring that the kitchen is fully equipped to handle high-capacity cooking and food preparation. Their expert team installed, serviced, and commissioned essential kitchen equipment, including:
- A FOG GRU unit to improve grease management and enhance sustainability.
- A new dishwasher, modified for efficiency and optimised cleaning capacity.
- A fully commissioned combi oven, ensuring reliable, high-volume cooking.
- Two hand basins, improving hygiene and accessibility for kitchen staff.
- Wall-mounted storage shelves, maximising space and efficiency.
- Gas appliances, fitted with new hoses and safety restraining chains to meet compliance standards.
A shared commitment to food sustainability and social impact
The Thomas Franks Foundation, known for its dedication to supporting communities through fresh, seasonal, and responsibly sourced food, is playing a pivotal role in the project. By partnering with City Harvest and other surplus food distributors, Thomas Franks is helping to ensure that nutritious meals are created from ingredients that would otherwise go to waste.
Paul Heritage, Development Chef at the Urban Farmer Project, praised the contributions of TWO Services and Thomas Franks: “The expertise and support provided by TWO Services and Thomas Franks have been instrumental in getting our kitchen up and running. With their help, we now have a fully functional catering space that allows us to focus on what really matters—feeding those in need, teaching vital cooking skills, and fostering a sustainable food culture.”
A hub for innovation and sustainability
The Urban Farmer Project is more than just a kitchen. It serves as a living showcase for sustainable food systems and community-driven solutions. Among its many features are:
- A Vertical Farming Pod – powered by hydroponics, growing fresh microgreens and vegetables on-site.
- Farmers’ Markets and a Farm Shop – supporting local farmers and promoting British agriculture.
- Workshops and Classes – educating the public on food sustainability, waste reduction, and healthy cooking.
- A Podcast Studio and Cultural Hub – hosting discussions on urban challenges and creative community projects.
With food insecurity and climate change becoming increasingly urgent concerns, the Urban Farmer Project demonstrates how businesses, charities, and communities can collaborate to drive meaningful change.
By supporting this initiative, TWO Services and Thomas Franks are not only ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly, but they are also contributing to a broader movement—one that prioritises sustainability, reduces food waste, and strengthens local communities.
