Brixton People's Kitchen

On July 20th, Brixton People’s Kitchen, in partnership with UCL Department of Information Studies and SisterWoman, hosted Roots & Recipes, a vibrant, free community event exploring the intersections of food, heritage, and the legacies of colonialism. Held in the heart of Brixton, the event welcomed a diverse group of local residents, with a strong presence of families and children, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

The day began with a Children’s Cooking Workshop, where young participants engaged in hands-on activities using heritage ingredients. Through sensory play and storytelling, children explored the history of food and its cultural significance, sparking curiosity and connection to their roots.

In the afternoon, the Interactive Heritage Session led by UCL introduced attendees to the digital Sloane archive. This session encouraged dialogue around the colonial origins of many cultural collections and invited the community to reflect on how these histories shape our present.

The day culminated in a Shared Community Meal, featuring a nourishing, plant-based menu curated by Safiya Robinson of SisterWoman Vegan. The meal served as a powerful space for storytelling, reflection, and celebration. A live conversation followed, exploring themes of ancestral memory, cultural resilience, and food justice.The event successfully bridged historical inquiry with lived experience, using food as a medium for education, healing, and joy.

Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s impact in fostering intergenerational learning, cultural pride, and community cohesion. It was a meaningful step toward inclusive heritage work that centres honesty, care, and collective memory.

We love runnng these kind of learning events with the community.

For this event one job role was created