Featured Member is a new, monthly feature that brings highlight stories from our members to you.
This month we spoke with St Mary’s Hornsey Rise – a lively, multi-cultural and community-based church, with a motto of “Come as you are, do what you can”, something that’s epitomised through their weekly cooking sessions, so we wanted to find out more.
The project began in response to lockdown needs, originally offering takeaway food to those struggling with access. But as restrictions lifted, so did the community’s desire to reconnect — not over pre-packaged meals, but by learning how to cook them together. As the demand for food collections dipped, the appetite for cooking classes grew. Now, every Friday at 3pm, the kitchen at St Mary’s comes alive with shared laughter, sizzling pans, and new friendships.
Cook Together is open to everyone — no sign-up required — drawing participants from all over London, including areas as far as Camberwell. The group welcomes a mix of abilities, with around half of attendees being first-time cooks. One participant, Paul, couldn’t even chop an onion when he joined. Today, he confidently whips up bibimbap, a Korean rice dish layered with vegetables and rich in flavour — a transformation that speaks volumes about the project’s impact.
Another regular, a woman initially hesitant to cook, now looks forward to it each week. Stories like these are common at Cook Together, where the simple act of preparing a meal becomes a powerful tool for empowerment and connection.
But Cook Together is just one part of St Mary’s wider commitment to community wellbeing. The church also runs:
- Food Bank – Wednesdays
- An open community garden – Tuesday sessions
- A creative art class, Create Together – Wednesdays
- Drop-in session for young children, Make Do Play – Thursdays
At the heart of it all is a clear ethos: everyone is welcome, and no experience is necessary. Whether you’re planting seeds, painting, or learning to stir-fry, St Mary’s Hornsey Rise offers a space to grow — together.
For more information or to get involved, contact: contact@smhr.org.uk