It has been almost a year since the lockdown began, with the hospitality industry and small businesses being severely affected. We are now in our third lockdown and now more than ever local businesses need our support.

Many businesses have been creative in providing ways to engage with their customers whilst also trying to survive. Supporting a business is a win-win; you’ve found yourself a treat whilst also helping the industry survive.

We have put together a list of businesses you can support right now.

Brush and bubbles

#FLODown: The founders of Brush and Bubbles, Lara and Tiff, describe the business as being ‘for the inquisitive, the spirited and the experimental; it is a meeting of passion, creativity and a desire for fun!’ The concept is clear – it is a sip and paint event where you let your creative juices flow with a brush and canvas, whilst bubbles flow into you.

They now provide art kits you can buy packed with everything you need to host your own sip and paint event at home.

Delivery: Nationwide

Price: £48

Dishoom

#FLODown: Dishoom is one of London’s most highly rated Indian restaurants. With four locations dotted around the city, they have long been known for the crowds they attract and the most delicious bacon naan rolls.

Lucky for us they now provide the bacon naan roll kit, its vegan alternative, some of their acclaimed drinks and a few extras.

Delivery: Only some of their stores are offering delivery within close proximity, check here to see if you’re one of the lucky few.

 Price: starting from £2.90

Made by Adele

#FLODown: Lockdown celebrations are now a way of life and what’s a celebration without cake?

Made by Adele offers unique handmade cakes and cupcakes which aren’t just appealing to the eyes but also taste delicious. They offer an array of options on their menu whilst also providing bespoke services.

Delivery: Delivery is available within 10 miles and their products are also available for collection.

Price: starting at £35

Bancone

#FLODown: Bancone has been praised for their freshly made pasta at affordable prices. They are quite easily one of the best Italian restaurants in London! Don’t just take our word for it, try out their pasta kits for yourself.

They now offer a range of their pastas for delivery as well as sides and desserts.

Delivery: delivery is available within the M25.

Price: starting at £18 for pasta

Chuku’s

#FLODown: Chuku’s is proudly London’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant. Brought to life by sibling duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick, Chuku’s offers small sharing plates using authentic Nigerian flavours.

To keep up with the demand, they now offer chop, chat and chill boxes. Each kit includes food (this is the chop - a pidgin slang which means ‘to eat’) and for the chat and chill, they include ‘Nigerian film, music and art for you to enjoy alongside your meal’.

Delivery: delivery is dependent upon your location. Collection is also available.

Price: starting from £25

Thirteen Months

#FLODown: Thirteen Months is an independent home furnishing business created by three sisters from London. Their pieces showcase their heritage and the tradition of Ethiopian weaving with many of their colourful products handwoven in Addis Ababa.

Being stuck indoors has definitely made a lot of people improve their living space and furnishings; the bold colours from Thirteen Months will be a great addition to any home.

Delivery: Nationwide delivery

Words by Mariam Olajide