Sheffield restaurant hit by second break-in - before a crowdfunding campaign to repair damage of the first finishes

The social enterprise, restaurant, and events space Blend Kitchen on Ecclesall Road was first broken into just four days after it opened in April this year.

Following the first break-in, founder and head chef Chris Hanson and general manager Justin Rowntree set up a Crowdfunder campaign in the hopes of raising £10,000 to help repair the damage caused.

They also planned to increase security with new security shutters, CCTV, improved lighting and a new secure front lobby.

With the crowdfunder still ongoing, Blend was broken into a second time and the glass door was smashed, although nothing appeared to have been stolen.

Justin Rowntree said: “We couldn’t believe how unlucky we were facing a second break-in. The bitter irony of us being in the middle of a fundraising campaign to secure our space, only to suffer further damage, isn’t lost on us.

“As we said after the previous break-in, we hold zero ill-will towards the perpetrators. Our whole ethos here at Blend Kitchen is to help those who don’t necessarily get many opportunities thrown at them in life, and we’re aware that those who broke into us probably fall into that category too.”

Blend Kitchen was established to provide opportunities to adults who face barriers to employment, working with partner schemes to offer them training and advice in all aspects of hospitality to gain employment with themselves or with their vast network across the industry.

The Crowdfunder campaign has already had some generous donations but there is still a way to go before hitting their £10,000 target before the campaign ends on August 6.

There are new rewards on offer for donors ranging from branded merchandise, private movie nights and cooking masterclasses.

The restaurant also has some big names supporting their cause, including Blend patron, music-legend Richard Hawley who has donated signed first release albums, artwork and collectable merchandise as well as tickets for newly announced gigs across the country.

Internationally renowned Sheffield street artist Bubba 2000 presented the Blend Kitchen team with a rare artist's proof of his famous Jarvis Cocker piece, signed by both himself and Jarvis.

To donate to Blend Kitchens’ Crowdfunder page, click here.