The Clink Restaurant concept was founded by Alberto Crisci in 2009 and are a major part of The Clink Charity's prisoner rehabilitation initiatives.[1] The charity aims to break the cycle of crime by changing attitudes, creating second chances and reducing reoffending rates.
Each prisoner who works in a Clink Restaurant studies for accredited NVQs in food preparation, food service and cleaning, and horticulture. Whilst working in a Clink Restaurant prisoners gain experience within an operational business and receive in-depth guidance to find full-time employment within the hospitality industry upon release.
As of 2025, there is only one Clink Restaurant in operation located at HMP Brixton.
In December 2022, The Clink Restaurant HMP Cardiff closed down due to the conclusion of their lease.
Description
The organisation takes its name from "clink", a slang generic term for prison or a jail cell, which in turn is derived from The Clink, a historic prison in Southwark.
The first Clink Restaurant opened in 2009 at HMP High Down in Surrey,[2] when Alberto Crisci, then catering manager, identified the need for formal training, qualifications and support for prisoners in finding a job after release.