Vegetarians plan 'ethical' centre

A multi-purpose community centre "for ethical and innovative events" is planned for the organisation's existing building on Finchley Road in Golders Green, north-west London

The money raised will help create an extended main hall and open-plan kitchen for catering events and cookery demonstrations. The garden will be re-landscaped and pop-up restaurants will offer a variety of green delicacies, as well as festival feasts.

Almost GPB4,000 has been raised in the first week of the campaign and the charity, which was founded in 1966 and has 500 members, is hopeful it will hit the target by mid-July, when the work is expected to begin.

"Jewish values and vegetarianism go hand in hand," said Lara Smallman, JVS director.

"We have seen a big increase in membership and engagement over the last three years as we have increased events from a few each year to up to 40 per year.

She added: "Vegetarianism and veganism are on the rise across the UK. We believe that the Jewish community is no exception."