IN THE MIX
“One day I will cook for you.”
This simple phrase sparked the creation of In The Mix.
After years of working in hostels and hotels supporting asylum seekers, we saw how food could bring people together. People arrived from different countries, cultures, and experiences—but around the table, they found common ground. Food crosses borders, starts conversations, and builds connections.
In The Mix began as a grassroots project at the Granville Community Kitchen in South Kilburn. There, refugees and asylum seekers cooked weekly meals for up to 80 local residents. But it quickly became more than just food. It became a space for friendship, collaboration, and mutual support—where stories were shared, skills were developed, and community was built.
As the project grew, so did its impact. Participants came together beyond the kitchen, even taking part in the Blenheim Triathlon to raise funds and sustain the initiative—first in 2022 and every year since.
With many members gaining refugee status and moving forward with their lives, In The Mix evolved. It expanded into catering work, supporting NGOs and events such as Refugee Week, eventually becoming 9 Kitchens Catering Limited.
Today, In The Mix continues its mission as a community-focused project. In partnership with The Salvation Army and local authorities, including Lambeth Council, we support young people—some refugees and asylum seekers, others in supported housing.
Through weekly sessions as part of a life skills programme, participants learn to cook, prepare, and serve food—gaining independence and confidence. More importantly, they build relationships and a sense of belonging.
At In The Mix, the table is more than a place to eat.
It’s a place where everyone is welcome.