Brigade, Tooley Street is a unique social enterprise restaurant serving Great British classics that use seasonal produce. Awarded an AA rosette within 3 months of opening it offers diners a really unique experience. Formed from a partnership across the private, public and third sector, Brigade opened in September 2011 and since its launch has been the home of Beyond Food (BF) a charity that works to motivate and inspire people who have experienced homelessness to gain meaningful employment.

Simon Boyle is the vision behind Brigade and Beyond Food. Having started as an apprentice chef aged 16 at The Savoy, Simon has led a highly respectable career since, working for Saudi Princes, taking Head Chef roles on 5* cruise ships, becoming the first ever Culinary Ambassador for the global giant, Unilever and running his own private catering and events business. It was in 2004 however, when Simon returned from Sri Lanka where he volunteered as part of the post tsunami relief team assisting a small community to rebuild their lives, that Simon found his passion and commitment to help and support those less fortunate than himself. Since 2004, Simon has worked tirelessly to help homeless people across London to rebuild their lives, using food as a catalyst, imparting his passion, skills and knowledge of cooking and food on to them and encouraging them to move their lives forward. Following 6 years of relentless hard work, Simon was able to take his vision to the next level. Forging relationships with PwC, De Vere Venues and the Homes and Communities Agency, Simon secured a grant of £800k to invest into a restaurant that would change the lives of hundreds of homeless people across London.

Simon is publishing his latest book, ‘Good Skills’ with Penguin/Random House. Good Skills is a helping hand to those that need supported guidance to move into full time employment.

Simon is also currently working on a Brigade cookery book which encompasses his take on British classical cookery and the art of craftsmanship.