In The Clink , Styal: Dining with Purpose 🍴✨
So in this weeks exciting instalment I was invited out to attend this amazing restaurant out near Manchester Airport.
Nestled in the charming village of Styal, The Clink Restaurant offers more than just a dining experience—it’s a story of transformation, resilience, and second chances. Housed in a beautifully restored chapel within the grounds of HMP Styal, this unique restaurant is part of a groundbreaking initiative by The Clink Charity to reduce reoffending rates and empower women through culinary training.
The Charity Behind the Mission:
The Clink Charity was founded in 2009 with a clear purpose: to break the cycle of crime by equipping prisoners with skills, qualifications, and confidence. At Styal, women nearing the end of their sentences participate in the charity’s Five Step Programme—Recruit, Train, Support, Employ, and Mentor. They work full-time in the kitchen or front-of-house roles while earning NVQs in professional cookery and food service.
What I find inspiring is how far-reaching this support is. Beyond training, The Clink helps these women secure jobs upon release and provides ongoing mentoring for up to a year. From housing assistance to childcare support, the charity ensures that each graduate has the tools they need to succeed.
Warm Welcome
The Food: A Culinary Delight
The menu at The Clink Styal rivals some of Manchester’s top restaurants. It’s all about locally sourced, seasonal ingredients crafted into dishes that are as delicious as they are beautifully presented.
We had a 6 course tasting menu that included :
Focaccia, pork crackling butter
Pea & wild garlic soup, whipped goats cheese, chive cracker
Pan fried seabass, curried cauliflower puree, samphire & pickled cucumber salad
Roast pork fillet, black pudding bon bon, carrot puree, roast carrot & herb crust, cider jus
Lemon posset, raspberry sorbet, coconut and almond granola
Every plate reflects the hard work and creativity of the trainee chefs.
For those who fancy something sweet, I’m told their afternoon tea is a must-try—think delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and indulgent cakes. And if you’re popping by for Sunday lunch, expect hearty roasts with all the trimmings.
Pea & wild garlic soup, whipped goats cheese, chive cracker
The Chefs: Mentors and Role Models
Head Chef Portia Ruzario leads the kitchen at Styal with passion and patience. With experience from esteemed establishments like The Wolseley in London, Portia not only teaches cooking techniques but also instils confidence and resilience in her team. Her dedication has helped transform lives—some graduates have gone on to open their own catering businesses!
Portia describes her role as more than just running a kitchen; it’s about empowering women to see their potential. “You don’t know someone’s full story until you work alongside them,” she says.
Partners and Community Support
The success of The Clink wouldn’t be possible without its partners. From local suppliers providing fresh produce to businesses offering job placements for graduates, it’s a collective effort. Even celebrity chefs like Glynn Purnell have lent their expertise during special events, further inspiring trainees.
Pan fried seabass, curried cauliflower puree, samphire & pickled cucumber salad
A Proven Impact
The Clink’s results speak volumes. Graduates from their programme have one of the lowest reoffending rates in the UK—just 11%, compared to 32% for those who don’t participate. In 2023 alone, 52% of students found employment after release.
Dining here isn’t just about enjoying great food; it’s about supporting life-changing opportunities. Every meal served represents hope ,resilience and the promise of a second chance.
Roast pork fillet, black pudding bon bon, carrot puree, roast carrot & herb crust, cider jus
Why You Should Visit !
“They are serving up hope and rehabilitation via Hospitality , what a potent mix” The Clink
Lemon posset, raspberry sorbet, coconut and almond granola
The Clink Charity also continues to provide vital support to women:
after they leave the restaurant, ensuring they have the tools to rebuild their lives and avoid reoffending.
Each graduate is paired with a dedicated support worker several months before release, and this relationship continues for at least a year, offering guidance on everything from housing applications to navigating benefits. The charity also helps women secure employment in the hospitality industry, using its network of business partners to create job opportunities while providing interview preparation and professional attire. Graduates earn a living wage during their training, allowing them to save money for life after release, and The Clink also addresses other critical needs, such as childcare arrangements and relocation support. While formal mentoring lasts for 12 months, the charity remains available for lifelong assistance whenever needed, offering a safety net that empowers women to build stable, independent futures.
Have you ever dined somewhere that combines incredible food with such a meaningful mission?
Tell me more !
Here's to a Bright Future, Rooted in Our Rich Past 🧔🏻
🌟 #SecondChances #DiningWithPurpose #SupportLocal
