Indie restaurants awarded grants from AmEx-backed programme

Twenty independent restaurants across London and Manchester have been awarded an equal share of £220,000 as part of the American Express 'Backing International Small Restaurants' grant programme. 

Now in its third year, the programme is run by the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation in partnership with the Association of Town and City Management and backed by American Express (AmEx). 

Celebrating indies

Small, independent restaurants play a valuable role in local communities and high streets. Grant recipients will each use the £11,000 funding to support their ongoing operations, making essential upgrades to their venues, improving their marketing campaigns and generally enhancing the dining experience. 

Flat Earth Pizzas in London's Bethnal Green will put the grant towards streamlining the restaurant's operation, helping to drive the brand's continued growth. Co-owner Rich Baker comments: "This grant has allowed us to purchase new equipment, including a larger pizza oven that has already had a huge impact on the service we provide to our guests. Being able to make such an essential upgrade will allow us to deliver a slicker service, generate more revenue and has had a huge impact on our team."

One of the other recipients, record and coffee shop Wax and Beans in Bury, Greater Manchester, will use the grant to make planned upgrades to the kitchen and extend its outdoor dining area. 

"We are thrilled to announce the third cohort of restaurants selected by the Backing International Small Restaurants programme," says David Downey, executive director of the IDA Foundation. "This year, we've expanded our reach to nine cities globally through the continued generosity of American Express. We are proud to empower these extraordinary restaurants to thrive and strengthen the fabric of their neighbourhoods."

The initiative has more than doubled the annual grant funding to US$1m worldwide, up from $425,000 last year. In 2024, 70 small and independently-owned restaurants have received grants, with this year's programme reaching four new cities – Manchester, Melbourne, Montraél and Osaka – in addition to London, Mexico City, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. 

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