Help Romeo's Bakery to Rebuild and Transform

 The coronavirus pandemic has so far been the toughest challenge we’ve faced. We have a great idea for how we’re going to rebuild, transform and survive the new normal, but we need your help to #SaveRomeosBakery and make it happen. 

Romeo's Bakery's Ambition

Since launching in Upper Street, Islington 6 years ago our ambition has been to make healthy food accessible for all, whoever you are and whatever your dietary requirements or needs. Whether you have a long-term health condition like diabetes or coeliac disease, a gluten, wheat, egg or dairy intolerance, or you follow a Vegan or Keto diet, we always ensure you can enjoy our products.

How COVID-19 has impacted us
The coronavirus pandemic has been a really difficult time for so many, and it has hit small, independent businesses like us hard. Even though the cafe isn’t eligible for the small business government grant we’ve pivoted and persevered...delivering gluten-free bakes across London for free throughout lock-down, and free gluten-free bread for over 60s. But, with our lovely customers unable to eat in and enjoy brunch or cake and coffee in our usually busy and bustling cafe, the business has taken a huge hit.

How we will use the money that you pay forward
As we look to the future and adapt to the 'new normal' we have a vision to really bring our ambition to life, by transforming the cafe space into a 100% Gluten Free shop and general store, working with the Gluten-Free and Coeliac community to bring you the gluten-free products you can’t find elsewhere, from flour to beer and other GF treats. We’ll also have a dedicated vegan area including vegan cheeses. This will complement our Romeo’s Bakery range of freshly-baked goods, and we’ll continue to have seating so you can keep enjoying our products.

Why do we need you?

We wouldn’t be where we are without our wonderful customers, and this is where we need you more than ever. If you can pledge to support today, you’ll not only do something great for the local and gluten free community, but you'll also pay it forward so that you can enjoy a reward at Romeo's Bakery later on. From free coffee every week for a year, to brunch for two, the least we can do is provide some really lovely rewards. 

It doesn’t matter if your contribution is big or small, it all brings us one step closer.

 Thank you from all of us at Team Romeo’s

FAQs

Q. Why aren't you able to receive the £25,000 Small Business Government Grant?

A. Unfortunately, the rateable value of 178 Upper Street which we rent is slightly over the £50,000 threshold, so it does not meet the criteria

Q. How will you use the money that we Pay Forward?

A. We will use the money for essential maintenance and updates to the cafe to transform it into a safe and effective retail / cafe space. Using local tradesmen this will include painting, building shelves, and improvements to the exterior. The money will also be used for the initial capital for shop stock. Finally we have listened to your feedback and will improve the online shop customer experience.

Q. How do the rewards work?

From 1st September 2020 you'll be able to claim your reward at  Romeo's Bakery,178 Upper Street, Islington:

• One-off reward - Book a table online, or walk-in and show your thank you email at the counter to claim your reward. Brunch is available on weekends only. If you are not able to claim your reward yourself, for example, you are out of the country or can't get to London, then you can pass on the reward to a friend and they can claim it in the same way. Just forward the email to them. The reward can only be claimed by one person. 
• Weekly reward - Same as above, but you can claim this up to once a week from 1st September 2020 to 31st August 2021.
• VIP Cake reward - This is bookable online 48 hours before

Please email us at [email protected] with any more questions