The Bellenden Road restaurant was founded six years ago by chef patron Jane Alty, formerly of Bibendum, Racine, Galvin and Nahm. It has not been refurbished since its launch, and its original iteration was built by hand by the founders.
The campaign will run for 25 days, and at present – having been live for five hours – it has raised just under £2000 from 26 backers.
Rewards for backers include a kids group cooking class for those who pledge £20 or more; aprons for pledges of £30 or more; exclusive Thai takeaways for pledges of £50 or more; group Thai cooking glasses for pledges of £65 or more; dinner and cocktails for ten people for pledges of £500 or more; and 50% off all food forever for pledges of £5000 or more.
The money raised will go towards essential works including the installation of central heating; buying new chairs and tables (the restaurant is known for having inconveniently small tables for sharing plates, described as “child’s school desks” in a review by Grace Dent); and the refurbishment of the bathroom.
The most expensive part of the 70-cover restaurant’s renovation will be the rebuilding and extending of the kitchen, which at present can only accommodate three chefs. Alty hopes to be able to extend the space to allow for more equipment that will allow for more menu experimentation.
The final part of the renovation will comprise a cocktail bar from which a new menu of drinks and bar snacks will be served.
Since its inception, The Begging Bowl has gained a reputation for being a stalwart on the London Thai food scene, and founder Alty is credited with having mentored Andy Oliver of Som Saa and Seb Holmes of Farang.
The kitchen uses specialist ingredients such as hog plum; perilla; Thai holy basil and banana blossom, sourced from unique UK growers as well as respected Thai suppliers.
To support the restaurant, click here.