Social Pantry, the London-based independent caterer led by Alex Head, is thrilled to announce that it has achieved B Corp certification.
With one of the highest B Corp scores in UK hospitality, Social Pantry is now officially recognised as a company that upholds high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. This achievement integrates Social Pantry into the B Corp global movement, which leverages business as a force for good.
Founded in 2011 by Alex Head, Social Pantry began with her passion for bringing people together through excellent food. It has since evolved into London’s premier catering company, known for serving fresh, innovative, and sustainable food at a wide range of unique events, exclusive venues, and workplaces both in London and beyond.
Social Pantry’s mission has always been to deliver extraordinary food while driving meaningful change. Renowned for its commitment to social and environmental advocacy, the caterer continually works to create exceptional experiences in a way that is both socially and environmentally responsible.
A B Corp assessment evaluates a company’s impact across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The scoring system measures the company’s social and environmental performance. To achieve certification, a company must meet stringent standards, score a minimum of 80 points, and commit to transparency, accountability, and ongoing improvement. Certification must be renewed every three years.
By collaborating with sustainability consultancy Bold Green Strategies throughout the certification process, Social Pantry successfully leveraged the Impact Business Model for Workforce Development during the B Impact Assessment. This collaboration enabled them to enhance their social impact initiatives, particularly in supporting the employment and training of prison leavers. Additionally, Social Pantry has integrated social and environmental values into its management structure and job roles, embedding these principles from the recruitment stage onwards.
Alex Head, Founder and CEO of Social Pantry said: “I couldn’t be happier or more proud to announce Social Pantry’s B Corp certification. This recognition reflects everything we stand for—our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and creating a more inclusive future. I couldn’t have done this without our incredible team, our suppliers, and, of course, all of our clients who have chosen to work with us along the way. Together, we’re not only serving up great food—we’re creating positive change, one plate at a time and we can’t wait to continue pushing forwards with our mission, working towards new and even more impactful goals, like becoming Net Zero. Bring it on.”
Nash Gierak, Director of Bold Green Strategies commented: “Social Pantry are an ideal candidate for B Corp certification; they aren’t afraid to do things differently. Their impactful work with prison leavers, and meaningful investment in sustainability, has earned them one of the highest B Corp scores in UK hospitality. Working with Alex and the team long-term means we really understand the unique nature of the business. We used that insight to strategise towards a score that captures—and does justice to—the Social Pantry mission. The team have worked so hard to make this happen, and we are incredibly proud to have achieved this milestone with them.”
Social Pantry considers food-related emissions and waste as critical environmental challenges in the catering, events, and hospitality sectors. They address these issues by reimagining waste, crafting innovative dishes that repurpose discards, and employing preservation techniques. The company follows a zero-to-landfill waste hierarchy, featuring an onsite biodigester, separate waste streams, and First Mile gold-certified recycling rates. By monitoring key data points in these areas, Social Pantry is well-positioned to achieve its Net Zero targets.
Social Pantry has also implemented sustainable practices beyond the kitchen. They have removed global plastic polluters from their drinks menus, replacing them with brands that align with their ethos. The company has divested from fossil fuels, transitioned to renewable energy, invested in electric vehicles, and adopted a fossil fuel-free ethical pension fund.
Social Pantry takes pride in being the leading employer of prison leavers within the hospitality industry. Since 2015, they have been actively involved in the prison system, providing training, mentorship, and employment opportunities for those currently incarcerated and those reintegrating into society. As part of their commitment, Alex Head and her team have opened a new Social Pantry café and training facility inside HMP/YOI Feltham, and are members of the Employment Board at HMP Wandsworth. This initiative represents a significant step toward their goal of facilitating smoother transitions into employment for young people in the prison system, creating a more direct pathway to joining the team at Social Pantry HQ.
As a Living Wage Foundation-accredited employer, Social Pantry prioritises social mobility and offers valuable training to all its staff, including a specialised Carbon Literacy training program. B Corp assesses factors such as underrepresented founders and considers management and supplier proximity. Social Pantry, a locally-owned, woman-led business, operates and sources intentionally within the London area.
