Patrons of the Wander restaurant in Stoke Newington have rallied behind its owner after the Australian’s visa extension was declined by the Home Office earlier this month.
Alexis Noble announced last week that she would have to close operations, but launched plans for a crowdfunded recipe book “Wander at Home”.
The eatery’s popularity soon became clear, raising over £3,000 in less than 48 hours.
“I was initially unsure if this was the right thing to do as I would have preferred to keep the whole situation private,” Noble said, “but by reaching our target so quickly it makes me more confident that this project will be successful and will allow Wander’s fixed costs like rent and my staff salaries to be covered during this period of being forced to close”.
The visa decision has outraged many Stoke Newington residents who shared their dismay on Facebook. One commenter said: “The amount this amazing woman has innovated and fought to keep her business and staff this year breaks my heart.”
Influential food accounts @meatgram and Alexandra Dudley expressed their sympathy on the original Instagram post, as well as local organic food organisation Growing Communities.
Many more seem to agree, as the initial target of £5,000 was reached in under a week, but funding for the stretch target of £15,000 will continue until 23 November.
“Wander at Home” will be made up of 150 pages and 60 recipes, and will also cover the struggles of owning a restaurant during a pandemic.
Noble’s takeaway meal kits, which kept the business going under lockdowns, are also being revived as a top reward for contributing to the crowdfunder.
