It was a big birthday for me last week and I was absolutely blessed that at the same time the world opened up a little. Not only was I able to have a friend to stay, and 6 people actually inside my house at one time, but after several very chilly lunches ‘al fresco’, we were finally able to eat inside again!

Two of my friends and I ventured to the The Larder Club which is an excellent Italian deli/cafe in the old Cocoa House building on Blake Street. The service was spot on, friendly, informative and smiley, and the food was sublime. Excellent fresh pasta (mine with sage butter and truffle) in small tasty portions, to eat alongside fantastic antipasti deli platters which were oozing with flavour and authenticity.

But it wasn’t just the food and great service that drew me to The Larder Club. In fact what really enticed me was not at all obvious when you were there. I had, however, read with interest that The Larder Club was a ‘deli with a bit of difference’ just before it opened.

You may never know how much difference you have made with your purchase today. Thank you.

Working closely with HMP Askham Grange, The Larder Club is a social enterprise supporting the rehabilitation of female offenders. To that end they fund work placements, do barista skills training and employ women who have been in prison, giving relevant life skills, training and opportunities to them. And I love that.

So as well as being a really fantastic addition to the York food scene, which I highly recommend for that in itself, at the same time they are building new futures for people who many don’t give a chance to.

The only way you would know this is if you pick up their business card subtly displayed alongside flowers, a cute candle and salt and pepper on the table which on one side reads “You may never know how much difference you have made with your purchase today. Thank you.”

I for one will be back again and again.

Check The Larder Club out.