‘Cafe with a conscience’: Best Ethical Restaurant Awards 2015

We’ve done it again. For a second year, we’re runners-up in the Best Ethical Restaurant Awards  – voted by readers of the Observer Food Monthly.

Common Grounds didn’t quite make it to the top spot this time – nor did we in 2013, when we were also selected as runners-up. But we feel privileged to have been shortlisted along with four other regional 2015 finalists, and to be acknowledged for what’s important to us.

This year, the OFM described Common Grounds as a “café with a conscience” and highlighted what we give away to global development charities.

We’re an NI runner up (for the 2nd year in a row!) in the OFM Awards for best ethical restaurant! https://t.co/zJ2iVZBUdG

— Common Grounds Café (@commongroundsni) October 20, 2015

The OFM described Common Grounds as a “café with a conscience” and highlighted what we give away to global development charities.Now in its twelfth year, the OFM awards showcase cheap eats and favourite restaurants across the UK chosen by Observer readers. The Best Ethical Restaurant Awards recognise cafés and restaurants for their fairly traded food, charitable giving or community involvement. Other 2015 runners-up in Northern Ireland included Camphill Holywood Café, Made in Belfast, Home, and the Mourne Seafood Bar.

#OFMAwards 2015 winners in pictures https://t.co/KcdQKpLxHS — Food Monthly (@ObsFood) October 22, 2015

So, a big congratulations to the other regional runners-up and the 2015 OFM Best Ethical Restaurant winner! That gong went to The Clink restaurant at Brixton Prison in London, mostly staffed by inmates.

And thanks to everyone who voted for us!