Last week, we successfully launched our first TUKFS Connect event of 2025 with an insightful webinar led by Anna Chworow, Deputy Director at Nourish Scotland. The session provided a comprehensive examination of the past, present, and future of state-subsidised public diners.
The webinar offered a historical overview of the evolution of public diners from the 1940s to the 1960s in Britain, highlighting the cultural significance of public restaurants, their public perception, and the factors contributing to their unsuccessful transition into permanent civic institutions. The discussion then expanded to include international case studies from Poland, Mexico, Singapore, and Turkey, showcasing various structures, funding mechanisms, and policy frameworks.
The webinar concluded with a forward-looking analysis of the potential role of public diners in the UK today. We explored how these establishments could strategically address key social, health, and environmental challenges. Additionally, we reviewed current policy and advocacy efforts aimed at supporting the development of public diners.
Watch this webinar and previous TUKFS Connect Series events on our YouTube Playlist.
