Chesterfield bar to open doors and feed the needy on Christmas Day

The bar on Holywell Street, which opened at the end of summer, wants to give back to the community.

One of the company directors, Benjamin Parr, 31, from Chesterfield, said: “We are open 364 days a year and we take people’s money so we thought why not open on Christmas Day and give a free meal to those who need it?”

The idea came about after watching the John Lewis Man on the Moon advert and staff realised just how lonely it can be for some at Christmastime.

“We hope our Christmas lunch will help people not just to have company on the actual day but meet people in a similar situation to themselves and maybe that will go on to be the start of a friendship,” said Benjamin.

The venue can hold 50 people but so far there has not been as much interest as the company hoped.

He said: “We want to help out anyone who may be lonely or struggling financially this Christmas to a free meal, be that a homeless person or a family down on their luck we want to help.”

Diners will be served a three-course meal and staff have said they will work for nothing to help cover the costs, most of which is being put up by Benjamin and Richard Qualter, the other director.

“We have contacted Age UK and other charities to see who would most benefit from the meal and we want to make sure that it is being taken up by the people who do really need it the most,” said Benjamin.

He added: “Christmas can be a tough time for people if they are on their own or in need but no one should go without and this is just our way of giving back and being thankful for what we do have.”

To book a place for the free Christmas lunch call 01246 767177, email [email protected] or pop in to the bar up until Christmas Eve.