The farm will bring ultra-fresh sustainable produce to its chefs and Compass colleagues on site, further supporting its use of innovation to achieve climate net zero by 2030. Using a hydroponic system, a small pump circulates nutrient rich water from a tank to each column of plants.
The new farm at Chertsey HQ will be used by its chefs, who have asked initially to grow, kale, coriander and tatsoi. In a month’s time – the farm will be harvested, and the chefs will use the products in their menus.
Pete Champain, head of innovation at Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted to be working with Square Mile Farms. Bringing urban farms to Chertsey, enables us to practice what we preach.
“By using this innovative and sustainable growing system, we can grow our own fresh produce on site. Our chefs are looking forward to the first harvest and it’s a great way of generating important conversations with our teams about sustainable food.”
By growing vertically, the farm can use a bigger surface area, allowing the urban space to be put to good use, growing up to 189 edible plants, all year round.
Patrick Dumas, co-founder of Square Mile Farms, added: "Our mission is to empower people to make healthier and more sustainable food choices. It’s therefore a privilege to work with Compass Group, and their head office team, whose values around food align so closely with ours. We’re collaborating to truly get the team closer to their food - we can’t wait for the first harvest."