Together at the Table
Friday 24 October 2025
83 Dalston Lane, London (map)
“It's Autumn, getting colder, the leaves are turning into unique colours and we are near the end of October. The 24th is here, another fantastic Mike's Table event is about to happen. I write this looking back and realise that it's important to note that even the theme of each event is so carefully and laterally thought out to fit the time of year” - a short reflection of the night by a wonderful guest, who has attended Mike’s Table regularly over the years.
About the event
Shereen (pictured above on the right) is a Co-op Member Activator for Westminster, Hackney, and Camden, and she first came to Mike’s Table in June for our collaboration with Hackney Herbal. She immediately saw how closely the Co-op’s values align with ours — supporting food, community, and connection. Shereen joined the team for Together at Table, and here she shares her reflection on the evening:
I had been looking forward to Friday 24th October since the end of August! As a foodie and genetically greedy person who loves to cook, I was also looking forward to contributing the dessert. Of course, I woke up full of cold early that week and simply felt incapable of recreating a vegan version of Paul Hollywood’s Apple and blackberry crumble and even though I would have taken precautions such as wearing gloves, I did not want to be contagious to the guests – so I cheated by buying and bringing desserts in.
I spoke with my store manager colleague at the Pembury Circus to gather supplies – 2 magnums of prosecco and cheese. That part of my mission was accomplished. I arrived at 83 Dalston Lane in good time.
Met the volunteers and chefs, Louise and Meggie, I listened in on the menu planning and got to work helping to clean and clear to receive the guests for the evening,
The warmth and camaraderie. The willingness of people to ask how you are and be welcoming and offer friendship and laughter even if it is just for that evening is something to behold and a privilege to be part of. As I was sorting plates, a glamorous Octogenarian burst through the door, declaring she had not received an email for the “last one” but was here now for “this one”. She wore a white Astracan Coat and declared “I am here.” I was sat at her table for the evening and this lady was the life and soul of the table. She told us many tales of hilarity – which I will keep confidential.
I was on welcome duty at the door and there were guests who remembered me from the Thingy Café Summer event in June. Which again was delightful and added to the ethos of Mike’s Table being safe and welcoming. I learned some things - there were many who mustered a lot of courage to be there. There were those who were who were learning to belong in their community. There were those who came from the other side of London – Essex and Colliers Wood, Morden to sit and eat with strangers and share kindness. And there were those who simply had time to share who they are with the small but perfectly formed world of Mike’s Table.
An Honour and a Privilege
Thank you
We asked guests to describe the night in one word…
One guest, an artist who has joined us at many Mike’s Table’s over the years, brought a beautiful handmade gift. It was a small bag with a sign, inviting guests to leave a comment or share some feedback about the evening. Here is what some of the guests shared:
The Menu
Thank you to our friends at City Harvest, who donated a wonderful range of unique, high-quality ingredients for our chefs to craft a delicious meal. The food is always within its use-by date and would otherwise be thrown away. Here’s the menu from the night…
Welcome Drink:
Prosecco or Virgin Mule (lime juice, ginger beer, and soda water)
Starter:
Potato, chickpea and celery soup
Fish tacos and vegetable tacos
Main
Tuna and tomato pasta bake with salad of lambs lettuce
Salt and chilli chicken breast with basmati rice
Dessert
Trio of chocolate torte, Sicilian lemon tart, and morello cherry and almond tart
Sharing cheese plates
The Team
Kitchen: Andi, Alan, Yintong and Simon
Front of House: Shereen, Louise, Meggie, Chloe and Eleri
Our Partners
As ever, we couldn’t do it without you:
Carers Network Compassionate Neighbours Medaille Trust
New Art Studio HostNation Compass Collective
Many thanks to our Food & Drink Donors:
City Harvest Uncharted Wines Co-op
Kind words from our guests
"There aren’t many restaurants where you walk in and end up hugging everyone."
“I just want to say a big thank you to all. It was a great evening. Hospitality, atmosphere, food, entertainment - absolutely amazing.”
