Top Bristol restaurants part of scheme to help tackle homelessness

Diners at some of Bristol’s best restaurants can make a small contribution that could make a huge difference to people facing homelessness this winter.

The Michelin-starred Paco Tapas and Bulrush are among the places taking part in the annual StreetSmart campaign, which raises funds for charities and projects working to tackle homelessness.

At participating restaurants, during November and December, a voluntary £1 donation is added to diners’ bills, with every penny going towards supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Bristol.

While rough sleeping is the most visible signs of homelessness in the city, it is just the tip of the iceberg. 97 per cent of those who are homeless are not sleeping rough, according to homelessness charity Caring in Bristol.

In fact, the number of rough sleepers fell in Bristol during the pandemic, but there has been a three-fold rise in people living in temporary accommodation or sofa surfing due to relationship breakdown and evictions.

Berthas is one of the restaurants participating in the StreetSmart campaign – photo courtesy of StreetSmart/ Pam Lloyd PR

Carole Petitbois, restaurant manager at Bulrush says: “We are supporting StreetSmart as it provides an efficient way to raise money and awareness. More than ever, charities such as StreetSmart, will be vital to many. It is the least we can do and we are hoping that our contribution will make a difference to many others.”

Bristol restaurants typically raise some £15,000 each year through the StreetSmart scheme, which goes towards services such as housing, mental health advice, training and job support in the city.

Pam Lloyd of Pam Lloyd PR has worked with StreetSmart for ten years in Bristol and is encouraging more restaurants to get involved.

“Being part of the initiative is simple, administration is minimal, and it does not affect VAT returns,” says Pam.

“There is still time to sign-up and make a big difference with a small change. Please do get in touch with me if you’d like to join in.”

Caper and Cure’s Giles Coram says he witnesses the issues associated with homelessness on his doorstep  – photo courtesy of StreetSmart/ Pam Lloyd PR

Caper and Cure is one of the restaurants taking part this year. Owner Giles Coram says: “Unfortunately, homelessness is a very real issue in Bristol. We witness the problems associated with homelessness daily, right on our own doorstep in Stokes Croft.

“The discretionary £1 donation is a small contribution which can make a huge difference. We are so pleased to be able to support this cause and the incredible work that StreetSmart does.”

Sara Griffin, the owner of another participating restaurant Bomboloni, adds: “We are not proud that we have to support Streetsmart, but all the more reason to do so.”

Restaurants signed up already this year in Bristol are:
Bulrush
Paco Tapas
Pi Shop
Wilson’s
Caper & Cure
Bomboloni
Rocksalt
Fishers
Box-E
Bertha’s
Harbour House
Pizzarova
Pizza Bianchi
Bokman
Klosterhaus
Harvey Nichols

Main photo courtesy of StreetSmart/ Pam Lloyd PR

Read more: New pop-up food shop aims to help break cycle of homelessness

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: