Independent street food business Shroom Kitchen has secured vital funding from the Portsmouth Match Fund, enabling the purchase of its first mobile catering unit and marking a major step forward in the company’s growth. The grant, distributed by Portsmouth City Council from UK Shared Prosperity Funding, will allow the pop-up to expand its reach and trade independently across the city and beyond.
The funding has allowed Shroom to buy a converted horsebox catering unit. The business can now operate more flexibly, attend events, and reduce its reliance on partner locations. The Portsmouth Match Fund scheme has now finished.
Shroom Kitchen applied for the fund in January this year and was recently awarded the grant.
Owner Lucy Bridgewater explained:
“It’s like entering a competition. You assume you won’t ‘win’ but tell yourself you’ve got to be in it to win it, and I’m so glad I did. Running a food business is not easy, especially when you rely on borrowed kitchen space. Having my own catering vehicle changes everything.
“I’ll absolutely continue partnering with local venues in and around Portsmouth because it works, and customers love the variety. But having the freedom to run my own setup, on my own terms, is a huge step forward. I’m incredibly grateful that Portsmouth City Council recognised the hard work I’ve put in and believed in my long-term vision.”
A spokesperson from Portsmouth City Council said:
“Shroom Kitchen is a great example of the kind of ambitious, community-focused business the Portsmouth Match Fund is designed to support. It’s fantastic to see a local entrepreneur turning a strong idea into a sustainable and growing enterprise. We’re proud to support Lucy’s journey and look forward to seeing Shroom Kitchen continue to thrive across Portsmouth.”
The business will make its debut with the new mobile catering unit at the Southsea Food Festival 4-5th July run by Portsmouth City Council, marking its first official outing with the horsebox and a major milestone following the funding award.