Haywards Heath restaurant adopts community garden as charity of choice for month-long fundraiser
A Haywards Heath restaurant has adopted a community garden as its charity of choice.
Grove Garden has announced that it has been adopted by Francisco Lounge, South Road, for 2026 and will be supported with a month-long programme of fundraising events this June.
The programme is part of the national ‘Lounge Aid’.
Every June, Lounges across the UK choose a charity that makes a meaningful difference in a community and spend the month raising funds through a series of activities and events.
Nigel Allyson-Ryan, chair of Grove Garden, said: “Francisco Lounge is a perfect partner for Grove Garden. We both bring joy and connection to those who come to us. We're incredibly grateful for their support and excited about a month full of conversation, music, laughter and community spirit while helping Grove Garden continue to grow. We want as many people as possible to check what’s on and come on down.”
Grove Garden said Francisco Lounge has recognised its important role in reducing loneliness among local people aged 50 and over, while offering them fun, friendship and wellbeing.
Grove Garden is community garden where people can make friends, learn new skills, enjoy nature and share memorable experiences. It offers gardening, social activities and volunteering opportunities to tackle loneliness and isolation in a welcoming space.
The funds raised through LoungeAid will help Grove Garden grow and support more people while paying for accessible paths, solar energy and more. Throughout June, £1 from every Golden Hour Cocktail sold at Francisco Lounge will be donated directly to the charity. People will also be able to buy plants, meet the team and pick up gardening tips from the Garden’s resident expert Chris on June 4 and 18. LoungeAid visitors can enjoy a community quiz, bingo and music bingo with the Francisco Lounge DJ, and enjoy an evening of live music and dancing featuring Mike Oliver and Shrapnel Band.
A Francisco Lounge spokesperson said: “Supporting local communities has always been at the heart of what we do, and LoungeAid gives us a wonderful opportunity to champion a cause that makes a real difference locally. Grove Garden brings so much positivity, friendship and wellbeing to people in Haywards Heath. We're delighted to support them.”
People can find out more about getting involved with Grove Garden by meeting the ‘Grovers’ at Lounge Aid events.
LoungeAid events at Francisco Lounge
Bingo: Sunday, June 14, 4pm-5.30pm.
Quiz with a Twist: Wednesday, June 17, 7.30pm-9pm. Hosted by Nigel Allyson-Ryan from Grove Garden. £2 per person, teams of up to six.
Open Mic Night and Live Music: Thursday, June 25, 7pm-9.45pm. Featuring Mike Oliver and Shrapnel Band. Free event with donation buckets available.
Music Bingo with the Lounge DJ: Sunday, June 28, 4pm-5pm, £5. There will be prizes.
Sip for Good – Golden Hour Cocktail Fundraiser: Throughout June. £1 from every Golden Hour Cocktail sold will be donated to Grove Garden.
To find out more about Grove Garden and the LoungeAid programme, visit www.grovegarden.uk/whats-on.