I was thrilled that Tom found the time to record this podcast and I know you will really enjoy Tom’s experiences and story.

Tom was a 4th generation baker with Hobbs House Bakery. He went on to film The Fabulous Baker Brothers for TV, baking bread around the world. Through his early career he discovered the joy of people coming together over food, cooking and eating together; but equally the negative impact when people are isolated, plus the concern over food waste.

Through Tom’s experiences and his connection with the social enterprise The Grace Network (whose vision is an economy that is self-supporting, providing resources to all who needed them), he was inspired to launch a new venture The Long Table at the Stroud hub, which is now expanding to Cirencester town centre in November 24.

The Long Table is on track to feed 40,000 people a year using mostly locally grown produce, providing employment and training for young people from more deprived backgrounds. What I love about the whole concept of The Long Table is providing nourishing fresh food, people pay what they can afford (however much or little) and uniting people from all aspects of life over food. The centre will also have a furniture bank, kids stuff (recycled clothes, toys and more).

To find out more and to become a Friend of The Long Table to support the valuable work that Tom and the team are doing please go to https://thelongtableonline.com/