As people up and down the country continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis, one pub in Greater Manchester has launched a scheme offering to help with the burden. The Bridgewater, in Eccles, is serving up free food and hot drinks every Wednesday for anyone that comes into the pub.
While the pub doesn't usually serve food, they are plating up dishes including beef stew and warming bowls of chilli, plus free tea and coffee. The heart-warming idea was devised by pub landlord Tony Hudson, who says people from "all walks of life" are taking up the offer, which he says is a "reflection" of how rising prices and energy bills are affecting a wide spectrum of society.
“We get so many different people coming in – from parents who come in with children after school to make sure they get a nice warming meal," Tong explained. "To those who might not look like they need the help yet are really struggling to keep up with the bills.
"Our pub is very much at the heart of the community, and we just want to make sure we can help people as they make their way through such difficult times. What could be nicer than knowing one day a week you can go somewhere warm, get a filling meal, as much tea and coffee as you like, and that it won't cost a penny.”
Tony takes turns with volunteer Gaynor Monaghan in producing the warming plates of food and finances the cost of providing free meals through weekend raffles at the Bridgewater. The food is available from 1pm until 8pm every Wednesday and there's no need to book.
Tony adds: “I've worked for the Joseph Holt brewery for 15 years and have been in the hospitality industry for 35 years and this is the toughest I've ever known it. I hear it all the time from the people who come in.
"In fact, whenever I'm out and about locally, say shopping at the supermarket, I'm approached by those who have had our free meals and saying it has been a lifeline. It's awful that this is how things are, but this is the situation we face. That’s why, as a community pub we just want to help people as much as we can.”
Paul Longmire, marketing manager at Joseph Holt, added: “Our pubs have always been more than places to have a drink. They are very much part of the spirit of the local community.
"And given the current crisis, more of our pubs are looking at ways to create 'warm spaces' like the Bridgewater – so that people can come in, enjoy, for example, free tea and toast, chat to like minded people whilst at the same time saving some money on their bills.”
This isn't the first time a Joseph Holt pub and its brewery has been involved in helping those struggling due to the cost of living crisis. Earlier this year, the 173-year-old brewery donated almost £130,000 to food banks and food clubs in the North West as part of its annual charity appeal.
Earlier this week it was reported that UK food price inflation has reached 11.6% in October, with kitchen staples such as tea bags, milk and sugar becoming more expensive along with certain items of fresh food.
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