With the sector currently facing a staffing crisis, Into Hospitality aims to promote hospitality as a career to the public whilst also offering courses, training and work placements at some of London’s most high-profile restaurants.
Alongside Padella and Hartnett, other restaurants taking part in the campaign include Shoreditch-based vegetarian spot Bubala; Michelin-starred wine bar and restaurant Leroy; Selin Kiazim and Laura Christie's Oklava; and Pip Lacey’s Hicce.
Into Hospitality has been founded by Ella de Beer and Neil Gander of operations specialists Electric Mayonnaise, with help from London on the Inside co-founder Jules Pearson and Lauren Barnett of Home Hospitality.
The outreach programme will work with local housing associations in the capital to help people get into hospitality as a career, and offer four days of training, led by Gander, that will cover hospitality skills including team work; kitchen set up; knife skills; cooking and food preparation; and interview and CV preparation.
Into Hospitality will then offer graduates of the programme a trial placement at one of its partner restaurants, with many subsequently being given permanent positions.
Marie, a recent graduate now working for Hicce, commented: "I am so grateful to Ella and Neil. It has opened a new door to me to get a job after more than one year without one.
"The Hospitality Course is wonderful training that can take everyone through to work."