Twenty independent restaurants in both 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 & City Management (ATCM) and backed by American Express. The grants will support the continued success of some of London and Manchester’s most vibrant hospitality venues.
Small, independent restaurants play a valuable role in local communities and high streets. Grant recipients will each use the £11,000 funding to help them continue to thrive, through making essential upgrades to their venues, from kitchen operations, improved marketing, to enhancing the dining experience.
One of the recipients, popular record and coffee shop Wax and Beans in Bury, Greater Manchester, main picture and right, will use their grant to make planned upgrades to their kitchen and extend their outdoor dining area. Co-owner Louise Jackson said: “Winning this grant is a huge privilege and will allow us to make the essential improvements needed to ensure Wax and Beans remains a community hub. We take pride in offering our customers a place to relax and socialise over good food and music, and this grant enables us to continue in this mission.”
Meanwhile, Flat Earth Pizzas in Bethnal Green, left, London have invested the grant in streamlining their restaurant’s operation to help drive their continued growth. Co-owner Rich Baker, below, said: “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.” 
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “We’re delighted to once again support some of the country’s independently owned restaurants, and are particularly proud to have expanded the grant programme to Manchester. These venues bring vibrancy to our high streets and local communities, and American Express remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting them to thrive.”
David Downey, Executive Director, IDA Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to announce the third cohort of restaurants selected for the Backing International Small Restaurants programme. 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.”
Globally, the programme has more than doubled the annual grant funding to $1 million, up from $435,000 last year, and expanded its support to restaurants in nine cities around the world. In 2024, 70 small and independently owned restaurants have received grants, with this year’s programme reaching four new cities – Manchester, Melbourne, Montreal, and Osaka – in addition to London, Mexico City, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto.
The Backing International Small Restaurants programme is part of American Express’ ‘Backing Small’ initiative, focused on providing financial support and resources to help small businesses address critical needs.
2024 UK grant recipients are:
London:
- The Alma, Sidcup
- Ariana II, Kilburn
- Bonnington Cafe, Vauxhall
- Cafe Terrace, Caledonian Road
- Dudley’s, Walthamstow
- Flat Earth Pizzas, Bethnal Green
- Kashmir Restaurant, Putney
- Moyolondon, Hendon
- The Oitij-Jo Kitchen, Poplar
- Platform Café, Brixton
- Sambal Shiok, Highbury & Islington
- Sophe Café, Highbury & Islington
- Symposium, Mile End
- Shiuli Restaurant, Twickenham
Manchester:
- The Baum, Rochdale
- Cibus Pizza, Manchester
- The Italian, Romiley, Stockport
- JS On the Corner, Manchester
- MOST Bakery, Altrincham
- Wax and Beans, Bury
