I’m kicking myself because I should have done this a week or so ago when I heard about it, but the brilliant Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch is in perilous danger of being closed down.

The Rochelle School, where the canteen is based, is under threat as some local residents have deemed it the epicenter of some antisocial behaviour, which in my experience is very unlikely. The food at the Canteen is simple, yet refined, fresh, seasonal and very tasty. It is also very reasonably priced. At a time when most of our high streets and communities are being eroded by the same big brands and businesses, it would be a HUGE shame for an independent, British enterprise like The Rochelle Canteen to be forced to close. Businesses like these should not only be supported, but cherished.

I also have an emotional vested interest in this appeal. The team behind the Canteen, Arnold & Henderson, use the site for the outside catering business that supplied the food for our wedding. The team there, Martin, Margot and Melanie were brilliant, and the food nothing short of amazing.

There is a short summary of the issues from Arnold & Henderson here, from which you can also download and print a letter to send off to the planning inspectorate to oppose the closure, and also an article by Partick Grant in GQ here.

I appreciate that many of you may not have been to the Canteen, or live in London, but please believe me when I say that it really is worth saving.

The letters need to be received by the 3RD MARCH 2011 so get printing!

Thanks for listening.