Galetti to lead homeless project 130 Primrose

Monica Galetti will lead a new restaurant established to recruit, train and employ people with experience of homelessness.

130 Primrose will open its doors on 8 May, occupying the site formerly known as Home Kitchen Diner, a previous incarnation of the social enterprise that operated for a year until August 2025.

The restaurant takes its name from the Latin phrase 'prima rosa', a symbol of spring and new beginnings. It will offer employees paid work, accredited training and clear progression within hospitality under the guidance of Galetti and head chef Eric Zhang, who will lead the kitchen full time.

Home Kitchen Diner, where Adam Simmonds held the previous exec chef position, employed 16 individuals affected by homelessness, including prison leavers, refugees from Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine, and those in addiction recovery. Five members of the original cohort progressed into permanent roles in hospitality. The new opening aims to build on this impact.

The right support

"I’ve seen first-hand how, with the right support, people can rediscover hope, dignity and purpose through opportunities like this," says Galetti. "That’s why I didn’t hesitate when I was asked to help shape the culinary future of this incredible project. My first task is to create an exciting new menu that attracts customers to support our mission - celebrating the best British seasonal ingredients with a little twist of fun.

"Later, I’ll weave in touches of my Samoan heritage, giving our trainees a unique development opportunity and helping them to stand out when they move on in their career in hospitality."

Seating 50 covers on Regent’s Park Road, 130 Primrose will be open seven days a week from 9am, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its à la carte menu will draw on Mediterranean influences, and later will bring in nods to Galetti's native Samoa. At lunchtime, sandwiches and salads will also be available, while evenings will feature an additional charcuterie and cheese offering. A speakeasy-style cocktail bar is set to open on the lower ground floor later next month.

Candidates for 130 Primrose are being recruited through referrals from partner charities including The Big Issue, Crisis, Beam, Soup Kitchen London and Only A Pavement Away.

Each employee is offered a six month contract as part of the front-of-house or kitchen team at 130 Primrose, which includes the opportunity to complete qualifications such as Food Hygiene and Allergen Awareness certifications. Upon completing their time at the restaurant, each employee is supported in progressing to further opportunities within the hospitality industry.

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