The Clink Charity's Brixton prison restaurant at risk of closure

The Clink Charity’s restaurant in HMP Brixton is at risk of closure after 11 years training prisoners in hospitality skills.

It is understood the charity is having to resubmit a bid for the contract to run the Brixton restaurant, with no guarantee it will retain the site.

Brixton is the Clink’s sole remaining training restaurant after it closed its site at HMP Styal women’s prison in Cheshire in July, blaming cost pressures and falling participant numbers.

Its venues at HMP Cardiff and HMP High Down both closed in 2022 due to a mix of contracts coming to an end and leases expiring.

The charity has been backed by Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, Balham and Wandsworth. Speaking in the House of Commons last week, she called on new justice secretary David Lammy for help on the issue.

She said: “The Clink Charity has delivered life-changing rehabilitation at HMP Brixton for over a decade, significantly reducing reoffending rates. Indeed, graduates are 64% less likely to reoffend. However, they have been told that they must compete in a commercial procurement process alongside large corporations to continue operating at Brixton. This risks disadvantaging an award-winning charity with a proven track record that is having a positive impact.

“So, does the minister agree with me that this is unfair and can he reassure me that he will review the situation to ensure procurement processes consider the excellent work already being achieved by organisations like the Clink?”

Responding on behalf of the government, Jake Richards, assistant whip, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for justice, said ministers were “aware of the great work that the Clink does".

“We will be reviewing what has happened and is happening there in due course,” he added.

The Clink prison restaurant serves lunch, dinner, Sunday lunch and afternoon tea prepared by prisoners training for their City & Guilds NVQs in Food & Beverage Service, Professional Cookery and Food Hygiene.

The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.