Each year, millions of pumpkins in the UK are carved for Halloween and then thrown away, contributing to unnecessary food waste. Acclaimed Soho chef Nima Safaei is tackling this problem with his inventive “Pumpkin Amnesty.”
From 3–5 November, diners who bring a leftover pumpkin – carved or whole – to his restaurant 27 Old Compton Street will receive a free serving of handmade pumpkin ravioli. The dish is freshly prepared by Safaei's team and transforms what might otherwise end up in landfill into something delicious and comforting.

Through this initiative, Safaei hopes to highlight the importance of reducing food waste while celebrating Italian culinary traditions. Known for his hospitality and community spirit, he views this as a way to give back to both guests and the planet.
The offer applies to clean, mould-free pumpkins suitable for cooking, and will run while stocks last. Safaei's restaurants – 40 Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street, and 27 Old Compton Street – are beloved Soho institutions renowned for their authenticity. The “Pumpkin Amnesty” underscores his belief that restaurants should play a meaningful role in their neighbourhoods. It's a simple yet creative gesture that turns post-Halloween waste into a meal worth savouring.