Independent restaurants in London and Manchester are getting a much-needed boost this spring as the Backing International Small Restaurants programme returns to the UK for its fourth year — with £220,000 in funding up for grabs.
This initiative, backed by American Express and run by the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation in partnership with the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM), is offering 20 grants of £11,000 each to eligible small, independent restaurants.
The goal? To help local eateries level up — whether that means upgrading kitchens, revamping interiors, improving digital capabilities, or simply finding new ways to better serve their communities.
Supporting London’s Most Passionate Food Makers
While restaurant headlines often focus on Michelin stars or TikTok-famous spots, it’s the neighbourhood independents — the breakfast joints with character, the family-run places where recipes are passed down generations, and the hidden gems behind unassuming façades — that often carry the soul of a city.
With margins tighter than ever and costs rising across the board, even the most beloved small restaurants can find it difficult to grow. That’s why programmes like this matter. They don’t just hand over cash — they empower restaurateurs to dream bigger, invest in their spaces, and keep creating the kind of food experiences that bring people together.
A Growing Global Impact
This year’s programme is expanding globally, now supporting restaurants in France, Spain, and New Zealand, alongside ongoing efforts in Canada, Japan, Mexico, Australia — and of course, the UK. In total, $1.45 million in funding will be awarded to 100 restaurants worldwide.
David Downey, Executive Director of the IDA Foundation, says the programme aims to empower restaurants as “vital community anchors” that make our cities more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.
And the support doesn’t stop at the bank account. Previous grant recipients have used the funds to not only renovate spaces but to grow into community hubs, hosting events, adding accessible dining, and creating safe, welcoming spaces for all.
Previous Winners: Small Businesses, Big Impact
Last year’s recipients included Wax and Beans, a music-loving café in Bury that used the funding to expand outdoor seating and upgrade their kitchen. That one investment allowed them to serve more customers, grow their events, and become an even more vital part of the local scene.
This time around, 20 independent restaurants in London and Manchester will be selected to receive grants — and applications are now open.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to independent, non-franchise restaurants based in either London or Manchester. The businesses must have a physical location and meet a few basic criteria. Full eligibility details and application guidance can be found on the IDA Foundation’s website.
📅 Deadline to apply: 30 June 2025
🔗 Apply here
Why It Matters for London
London’s independent restaurant scene is a world of its own — full of grit, flavour, and unexpected stories. From family-run Sri Lankan spots in Tooting to ultra-local bistros in Stoke Newington, these restaurants not only serve food but shape local identity.
While chains might have capital, it’s the independents that give a neighbourhood its flavour — literally. Backing them is about preserving creativity, culture, and community in a rapidly shifting hospitality landscape.
Whether you’re an owner, a regular diner, or someone with a favourite table at a place that deserves some love — spread the word. Because grants like these don’t just help restaurants survive. They help them thrive.
