A Bermondsey garage that has hosted gigs for major stars in the music industry will now open its doors to local kids, with a free after-school club, where they will be treated to top quality cuisine by a chef to the stars.
ForeverGood started in 2021 as an agency for musicians and events and rapidly made a name for themselves as a creative brand. Based in a garage at the heart of Druid Street, it has hosted gigs for major names including R&B superstar Chris Brown and Jamaican rapper Sean Paul.
Up until now 54 Druid Street has mostly been for creatives and artists, but with the cost of living soaring and times getting tougher, ForeverGood founder and CEO Sebastian Downing decided to swap the decks for dishes and give back to the community.
He said “We’re launching an after-school free meal club on Tuesdays, where Bermondsey kids can play, create and eat food cooked by a chef to the stars, Savannah John.
“With parents all across the country struggling to put food on the table, something like this is needed now more than ever. We’re in a position to be able to do it and what better way to start with people right here on our doorstep.”
Savannah John runs a catering business and has cooked for stars including actor Idris Elba and music sensation Ne-Yo. She also recently catered for British rapper duo, Krept and Konan. “Sav was looking to start her own restaurant, so we’re giving her this space for free,” Sebastian said.
“She does soul food and she’ll be the one cooking and providing the free meals for kids at the after-school club.
“From Monday to Wednesday this space is not in use – so we want to use it for doing good for locals.”
Miles Anthony, head of production at ForeverGood, said: “Although we have always been open to anyone, because of the artists and brands we’ve worked with, ForeverGood might have been seen as exclusive up until now. But we want people to know that we are expanding and our doors are open.”
Sebastian added that this is just the start and now that the doors are open, they’re not going to close anytime soon. “This is not a one-off moment,” he said. “It’s also an invitation for people to come to us with ideas if they want to do stuff for the local community. We’ve got the space and the resources: we want to use our contacts to provide workshops for local young people.
“We’ve had kids in here before for workshops, but it was never community-led and I want to change that.
“We have a great relationship with the whole street – so we really want to give back to them.”
Downside Youth Club, that caters for 9-21 year olds, is just across the road from ForeverGood. “They’re the obvious first port of call for the after-school club,” Sebastian said.
Alfie Millward, youth worker at Downside Youth Club, was delighted with the offer: “We all think it’s a great idea,” he said. “In this area something like this is definitely needed. Local kids will definitely be into it.”
The after-school club will open on Tuesday 8th November at 4pm, so Bermondsey young people are invited to come along. Anyone who wants to attend can fill in a form on their website – forevergood.co.uk They’re launching the soul food restaurant the week before, on the 29th.
To check out Sav’s instagram: @savjojntz
