A new Syrian Bistro is set to open in Leyland as part of a unique Syrian refugee resettlement programme.

The idea behind the launch is to encourage resettled families to share their culture through food and entertainment while working and socialising amongst the local communities.

The programme is led by South Ribble Borough Council and Brothers of Charity, who aim to resettle Syrian families by providing them with access to vital services and support to make their adjustment to life in the UK as seamless as possible.

The Syrian Bistro will be based at the Roccoco Café in Leyland and will take place one Saturday a month, starting with the 29th of June.

There will be tickets available for 30 people per session who will receive a Syrian three course mezze banquet style meal all prepared and provided by Syrian families. There will be one serving, where all guests will sit together at 1pm.

Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Social Justice and Wealth Building at South Ribble Borough Council said:
“Since 2016 we have resettled eight Syrian families and we are immensely proud of their progress so far. The Bistro will also be employing a number of people from the families over the coming 12 months as part of this scheme, which is brilliant. I would encourage people to attend one of these events and experience the Syrian culture first hand.”

Brothers of Charity Services hope to provide the refugees with an opportunity to showcase their cooking, learn hospitality and catering skills, for them to be able to establish themselves as potential independent traders in the future.

They also believe that both communities will benefit from this positive interaction and hope to encourage greater engagement throughout.

Marwa Shoufan, a Syrian refugee who has found employment at the café said: “This is a great new idea which will help refugees to integrate. Especially through food, people come together. I’m looking forward to making new friends and getting to know the people of Leyland.”

Tickets cost £16.00 per person and are available by calling Annabelle Draper, Team Leader of the Food Based Enterprises at Brothers Charity on 07557 568 724 between 10am – 4pm.
Any dietary requirements must be made known at the time of booking and alternate choice agreed upon.

Syrian Café dates are as follows:
2019
29 June
27 July
24 August
28 September
26 October
23 November

2020
25 January
22 February
28 March
25 April
23 May
27 June

Read more: What’s happening for Refugee Week in Preston?