Restaurant fundraising and charity dinners: 6 ways foodies can help the Turkey and Syria earthquake appeals

When a natural disaster happens, it’s easy to feel helpless being so far from the scene, watching from home comforts as others tackle the repercussions on the front line. A sentiment that’s all too familiar in recent weeks. On 6 February, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck the Turkey and Syria border, which resulted in towns reduced to rubble, and innocent lives ruined in a single moment. Naturally, this has caused widespread heartache across the globe as we watch the aftermath unfold on the news, with the tragedy killing over 40,000 people and the hunt for survivors ongoing.

After witnessing such devastation, as well as the more recent second earthquake, there’s no better time to play your part in supporting charities working to relieve those affected.

With a disaster of such catastrophic levels, it’s no surprise that some of the best names in food have taken it upon themselves to do their bit. Chefs, writers, and activists across the capital are joining forces to create fundraising events where all profits will be sent to support families, and supply those affected with food, medical supplies, sleeping kits, and a whole host of other necessities. For us, that means one way we can make a difference is simply by eating a good meal. Where do we sign up, right? The impressive line up includes the likes of multi-course dinners, auctions with money can't buy prizes, and a chance to experience food created by some of the best chefs this city has to offer.

With a variety of ticketed and walk-in events across the city, we’ve rounded up the best ways to get in your good deed and good feed all at the same time, so that you can get involved no matter what your schedule looks like.

Chefs Up for Turkey and Syria at Darby's, Nine Elms

With so many impressive chefs under one roof, there’s no doubt this meal will be one to remember. The likes of Paul Ainsworth and Angela Hartnett, amongst many other incredible names, will be cooking up a four course meal at Robin Gill's restaurant Darby's, to give guests a once in a lifetime dining experience all whilst raising money for Action Against Hunger. There will also be a chance to bid on both a silent and live auction, with a wide range of prizes available including a meal for two at Bibi (SquareMeals top London restaurant 2022). Tickets are priced at £250.
When: Monday 27 February
Where: 3 Viaduct Gardens, SW11 7AY
Book now: Chefs Up for Turkey and Syria

East London Earthquake Appeal: The Dinner

Berber & Q are partnering up with chefs from some of London’s best restaurants like Chris Leach of Manteca, and Luke Findlay of Supa Ya Ramen for a night of two parts. The East London Earthquake Appeal is split between ‘The Dinner’ and ‘The Draw’, offering drinks and a five course feast which will pay homage to regional dishes of the culinary cities affected, as well as a ticketed raffle to round off the evening. Tickets cost £100 and profits will go to ChooseLove.
When: Monday 27 February
Where: 338 Acton Mews, E8 4EA
Book now: East London Earthquake Appeal: The Dinner

Chilli sauce at Mangal II

In a bid to raise money for the Turkish Red Crescent charity, Mangal II will be bottling up its famous chilli sauce and donating all profits to support those affected by the earthquake. Stock up the condiment cupboard and do your bit to help raise vital funds.
When: Ongoing
Where: 4 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XN
Book now: Mangal II

Bake Sale at Holloway Model Bakery

If the idea of freshly baked pastries wasn’t enough to get you to North London for a fundraiser, then maybe the fact queens of the industry Melissa Thompson, Ravneet Gill, Ixta Belfrage and Melek Erdal will be running the event should do the trick. With an extensive list of big name bakers also contributing to the charity bake sale, this is not one to be missed. On top of all of the food, a £5 raffle will take place, offering prizes such as restaurant vouchers, kitchen equipment and celebration cakes. All proceeds will be equally split between ChooseLove, Ahbap and Medico International.
When: 26 February
Where: 66 Georges Road, N7 8JN

Donation Drop Offs at Zahter

If you’re after somewhere to donate items for victims of the earthquake, then Zahter is ready for anything you’re able to give. Warm blankets, clothes and shoes are all welcome and will be sent to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency. Bonus points that you can double up the trip with a meal of delicious mezze.
When: Ongoing
Where: 32 Fouberts Place, W1F 7PS
Book now: Zahter

Soft drink profit donation at Mali Vegan Thai

Earls Court’s highly rated vegan Thai restaurant is donating all profits from its special house soft drinks to the Red Cross. So stop by and grab yourself a mango, butterfly pea flower or rosella iced tea and help raise funds for victims of the earthquake (all whilst enjoying a tasty drink).
When: Until 10 March
Where: 5a Hogarth Place, SW5 0QT
Book: Mali Vegan Thai

Need some supperclub inspiration to start your own fundraiser? Check out 18 of the best supper clubs in London.