At Plates, our community is a collective, each person playing a part in shaping us – from the guests that travel many miles for a table, to the incredible suppliers we work with, it’s the human stories that inspire and connect us. The projects on this page are the beginning of how we hope to add value and enrich our community in 2026 and beyond.
At Plates, we feel very lucky to be supported by a community of food-curious, forward thinking, flavour obsessives. The more we get to know you all, the more we understand how integral to our mission it is to be connected to you.
In 2026, we want to give more back to our community who have continually championed us. Table 12 will give members of our community the opportunity to nominate a friend or loved one the chance to dine at the restaurant completely free of charge.
We know our tables can be hard to come by, and that not everyone has the time, energy, or resources to visit us. Table 12 is for those who deserve to be nourished — by food, goodness, and a five-star experience.
Do you know someone extraordinary who is doing outstanding things in the community?
Maybe it’s someone who’s been facing incredible challenges, undergoing treatment, caring for others, or simply putting everyone else first. Perhaps it’s someone who’s been supporting you through a difficult time, and you’d love to say thank you.
Each month, we’ll select two nominees to join us for a lunch or dinner on the Chef’s Counter at Plates Restaurant, completely on us. We are running the nominations quarterly so there will be four points across the year where you can nominate somebody.
If someone comes to mind, we’d love for you to nominate them for Table 12 — a small gesture of gratitude from us to the community that continues to inspire everything we do.
“Community Table Twelve is our way of making room for everyone and celebrating those extraordinary people who you think deserve to be seen and celebrated. We want to give back some of the joy food brings us, give people a lift if they need it, and share the magic cultivated through creativity and a deep love for hospitality in an intimate dining experience.”
Keeley & Kirk Haworth
Headway East London is a charity and community centre supporting people affected by brain injury. Located just down the road from our restaurant, we are proud to support such a passionate and necessary charity who also champion cookery, art and music as means to heal, develop and come together.
We have seen first hand at their Hackney headquarters, how incredible their life changing daily support is at Headway, how committed and kind the team are. It is so apparent from the moment you walk in, how important this is to their “members” that attend each day.
Headway offer specialist support and services to over 800 survivors, family, friends and carers each year with the aim to empower brain injury survivors and their families to imagine new possibilities – ones filled with creativity, embracing diversity and backed by specialist support including therapies, advocacy, family & community support work, alongside their Day & Evening Services in Hackney.
At Plates, Kirk & Keeley will be helping them raise awareness, raise funds, and also supporting them in their community kitchen.
To find out more about Headway, volunteer or donate, click here.