South Yorkshire restaurant offers four-course Christmas day meal to those in need – including a champagne reception

With a ‘red-carpet’ treatment, the Croft Steakhouse in Rotherham is offering a four-course Christmas meal to lonely elderly people and their carers, or a family who are genuinely struggling to make ends meet.

The restaurant owner, Rachel Stock said: “I myself don’t like being alone on Christmas and it is quite an unfortunate position to be in. If you can help people in need, then do it.”

She said the restaurant, which is only six-months old, will also have a free champagne reception and a bottle of wine or a chosen drink for each table included.

“We will have starters, main course and the pudding. We will also be giving out coffee, tea and cakes. There will be a really nice spread,” she said.

Ms Stock said although there has been great response to their offer, she has yet to receive any bookings for the 10 available slots.

“We have put it on our Facebook page and it’s been shared within the community but no one comes forward yet.

“The thing is, the elderly might not have access to Facebook and we would like their family or friends who do to do it for them,” she said.

She said her staff are all supportive of the nice gesture even if this means sacrificing their Christmas day.

“We have 10 staff at the minute and most of them will be working on that day. They are all supportive of it,” she said, adding that the staff will get the day off on Boxing day and New Year’s Day.

Those who would like to book the free Christmas meals on behalf of those in need, please visit The Croft Steakhouse Facebook page or contact 01709709795.

The Croft Steakhouse, or known as Double Barrel Steakhouse is operating under the new management from June 3 this year and specialises in steaks, all served on volcanic hot rocks.

A family and pet-friendly place, the restaurant also serves a variety of vegetarian dishes.