Grosvenor announces that social enterprise, Fair Shot Café, will open its first flagship venue serving European food and speciality coffee in Mayfair’s South Molton Street on 13 December.

Founder and CEO of Fair Shot Café, Bianca Tavella, set up the business to address the UK’s current 94% unemployment levels for young people with learning disabilities. With Fair Shot, she aims to transform the lives of young adults with learning disabilities by helping them gain the skills needed to begin a career in hospitality.

Fair Shot provides on-the-job training, places trainees in paid employment and partners with employers to create more jobs for adults with learning disabilities.

Based on favourable terms, Grosvenor’s lease with Fair Shot enables the social enterprise to establish and provide a vital employment and life skills for its staff.

Amelia Bright, Executive Director, Grosvenor commented: “Workplaces need to embrace all kinds of diversity. We are delighted to work with organisations like Action on Disability and West London College in supporting Fair Shot’s vision to secure training and better employment opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities.

“Fair Shot joins a growing number of conscious brands like Stephen Webster and Native at Browns in Mayfair providing ethical services and products. This is just one way we are driving sustainability and creating a positive impact in the West End.”

Prior to establishing Fair Shot, Tavella worked at Petersham Nurseries designing and launching its Covent Garden store. She is a passionate supporter and advocate for young people with learning disabilities and hopes to see a change in hiring policies by demonstrating to business owners the benefits of having an inclusive workforce and create real social change.

Over the pandemic, Tavella raised £300,000 in private funding; the amount required meet the objectives in her business plan. Fair Shot works with West London College to develop and operate its annual trainee program and Action on Disability, who help provide ongoing support to trainees whilst employed.

Bianca Tavella, Founder and CEO Fair Shot Café commented: “Currently in the UK, young people with a learning disability face 94% unemployment and for those that do find employment, 80% are either fired or leave due to inadequate support and training. With Fair Shot we aim to make real social impact on how business owners hire, train and support this community of extremely willing, extremely capable individuals.”

Simon Arwas, Fair Shot Café Trainee said: “What I love about Fair Shot is working with Bianca. It is a real privilege. She has a clear vision for what she wants her business to be. It’s been really interesting learning about all the different coffees and the thing I’m most looking forward to is for Fair Shot to open and to get started.”