Based in a gorgeous Grade II listed building in Leeds, Shine is an extraordinary social enterprise providing bright meeting room space, offices, co-working space and some of the best food you will find in Yorkshire.
Shine History
Opening its doors in 2008, Shine’s mission is to raise aspirations and create opportunities for disadvantaged communities. Recent Shine successes include the re-integration of 12 non-violent women ex-offenders by finding them homes, re-connecting them with their families and finding them work.
As a result of their dedication, 29 children have been reunited with their mothers and given a chance to thrive.
The café is managed by Matthew Wilkinson, who joined the business five years ago. All food and drink sold helps to fund the social enterprise and the café caters for visitors as well as the corporate world, and offers private dining, takeaway and deliveries to anyone and anywhere in Leeds.
What’s on the menu?
“We have a broad offering and customer base so no day is ever the same and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Matthew. “The frenetic pace and pressure keep us on our toes and enables us to express ourselves through our food. We cater for the café, inhouse meetings and corporate lunches, NHS training days and then a wide range of businesses, events and private clients across Leeds.”
“We’re big fans of the Country Range portfolio. The quality is exceptional, especially considering the value it offers. Spices, mixed herbs, chopped tomatoes, noodles, sauces, rice, pasta – most of our store cupboard staples are Country Range. This noodle salad recipe can be adapted depending on the season but is a fantastically fresh and flavoursome dish.”