The Perfect Place to Grow is a cafe and training kitchen, situated in Margate, that supports 18-24 year olds not in education or work, into long-term, sustainable employment. Founded by Lee Coad (Angela’s / Dory’s), Harry Ryder (Bottega Caruso) and Ani James, young people learn in the kitchen alongside working in a wide range of related trades, in order to teach the skills and receive the support needed to change their long-term futures.
This is a not-for-profit project that helps address the problems with youth unemployment in Margate and the wider Thanet area. In January 2021 the figure for 19-24 year olds claiming benefits stood at a staggering 10.1%, set against a national figure of 3.5%.
We believe that we can use hospitality, and the wider food industry, to help redress the balance and help support young people into employment. In year one alone we have managed to find work for 12 young people and firmly believe that food really does bring people together.
If you would like to get in touch with us please email hello@theperfectplacetogrow.org
The Perfect Place to Grow is a 5 minute walk from Angela’s and is on the site of TKE Studios (Tracey Emin’s art school - you may recognise the neon!)