LOCKDOWN LEADER:Wiltons and Franco's
Wiltons, London’s second oldest restaurant situated in the heart of St James’s and the epitome of fine British dining, and Francos, considered to be one of the capital’s oldest and authentic Italian restaurants, both located on Jermyn Street, have re-opened their kitchens to provide a range of meals for NHS workers, key workers, the vulnerable and homeless through the Westminster Connects Scheme.
Supported by James Hambro and Partners who have contributed to the cost of producing the meals as well as suppliers Universal Garden and Reach Food Service, who have provided key ingredients for the dishes for free. Both Wiltons and Francos have been distributing hot, nutritious meals for the homeless on Fridays, distributed from St Patrick's Church in Soho Square and for the NHS and Keyworkers, with the meals being collected directly from the restaurants on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Both of the renowned restaurants were forced to close their doors on the 18th March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Wiltons and Franco’s restaurants are fortunate enough to work with many of the finest producers and suppliers in the UK. Many of which are small in size, independent and family-owned. We wanted to continue to support these as well as the NHS, keyworkers and those most vulnerable during these unprecedented times. By adhering to social distancing and opening the kitchens of both restaurants we can feed those who need it most, whilst continuing to work with our valued suppliers.” Comments Wiltons’ Head Chef, Daniel Kent.
Echoing the words of Wiltons’ Head Chef, Daniel Kent, Head Chef Stefano Turconi at Franco’s restaurant comments: “We want to harness our resources, suppliers and wholesalers to provide healthy meals. The NHS workers and keyworkers are putting their lives at risk every single day. Good food is a joy to eat and can comfort, nourish and sustain. This is vital to those who are homeless, vulnerable and on the frontline. As two of London’s most respected restaurants, we are passionate about serving the finest quality dishes to our patrons and we are overjoyed to be using our skills and suppliers to help in this difficult time.”
“We are pleased to re-open the kitchens of both Wiltons and Franco’s after following the Government-mandated shutdown of restaurants, pubs and venues, over six weeks’ ago. Head Chef, Daniel Kent of Wiltons and Head Chef Stefano Turconi of Franco’s are delighted to be back in their kitchens, working under strict health and safety measures while maintaining social distancing for such a good cause.” Enthuses Jason Phillips, Director at Wiltons Holdings