The Clink to close Cheshire prison restaurant

The Clink Charity has confirmed its HMP Styal restaurant in Cheshire will be closing in July after over 10 years of trading.

The decade-long partnership has enabled women at the prison to undergo training, with some of them becoming the first-ever female apprentices to complete a hybrid apprenticeship in custody.

However, rising costs and falling participant numbers have led the Clink to conclude the restaurant at HMP Styal “is no longer viable” in its current form, with a closing date set for 31 July.

Donna-Marie Edmonds, chief executive of the Clink Charity, said: “The decision not to renew our contract at HMP Styal has been made with an incredibly heavy heart. The Clink Charity’s mission is to reduce re-offending and we have been doing this at Styal, producing outstanding results for over a decade.

“Although the restaurant will officially close this summer, our partnership at Styal will be remembered not only for its landmark training outcomes, but as a beacon of hope where women have sought refuge and rehabilitation. As one of those students puts it: ‘If it wasn’t for my journey at the Clink, I wouldn’t be where I am now’.”

The Clink continues to operate its restaurant at HMP Brixton in London, which is situated in the old governor’s house dating back to 1819.

The charity was founded in 2010 and its restaurants in working prisons are staffed by inmates and open to the public.

Image: The Clink website