Yorkshire restaurant giving away 200 free meals every week to NHS staff

A Yorkshire restaurant said the response has been "absolutely incredible" after it began providing hundreds of free meals for NHS workers and their families.

The award-winning Punch Bar & Tapas in Honley, near Huddersfield, launched the initiative on Saturday evening to provide 200 free meals a week for doctors, nurses and other NHS staff for the next three months.

The move has been made possible by a donation from former Sheffield Eagles rugby league club chairman Ian Swire, 56, and his wife, Jill, 58, who live in the village.

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Co-owner and chef Wayne Roddis said: "The response has been absolutely incredible. We've received hundreds of messages of support, both publicly and privately, with many people saying it has brought tears to their eyes.

Richard Dunn (left) and Wayne Roddis (right), who are providing hundreds of free meals for NHS workers and their families at the Punch Bar and Tapas in HonleyRichard Dunn (left) and Wayne Roddis (right), who are providing hundreds of free meals for NHS workers and their families at the Punch Bar and Tapas in Honley
Richard Dunn (left) and Wayne Roddis (right), who are providing hundreds of free meals for NHS workers and their families at the Punch Bar and Tapas in Honley

"Over 400 orders have been placed already, including for the June dates, and we're looking at ways to increase capacity.

Join our new coronavirus Facebook group for the latest confirmed news and advice as soon as we get it www.facebook.com/groups/yorkshirecoronavirus"We hope that, by offering fresh, nutritious, home-made meals for NHS staff and their families, we can make these difficult days a little bit easier."

Mr Swire said he and his wife made the decision to help after having a "Geldof" moment while watching a nurse in tears on the news - a reference to Bog Geldof's inspiration for the Band Aid record in the 1980s.

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He said: "We don't have Sting or Phil Collins in our phone book but we do have Rick and Wayne, so we called them up.

"Punch Tapas is an integral part of the village and all of our children worked for Rick and Wayne as waitresses and pot washers during their schooldays, so we are now looking to return the favour."

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Workers will be able to choose from a range of family dishes including braised meatballs, roast red onion gravy and sauteed new potatoes; and Uno beef and pork ragout with pasta, grated Parmesan and Italian herbs.

Mr Roddis said the initiative will also help local producers as he is locally sourcing ingredients from businesses including Atkinsons Butchers in Holmfirth; Roger's Bakery in Marsden; CJ Fresh Foods in Honley; Birkby Cheese Company in Huddersfield; and Wilson Fruit and Veg in Huddersfield.

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The restaurant is also still open to the general public for takeaway orders.

Colne Valley Tory MP Jason McCartney said: "At this challenging time for all of us, it's genuinely heart-warming to see a local couple partner up with the Punch Bar & Tapas to provide our wonderful local NHS staff some quality, tasty takeaway food.

"As well as thanking our wonderful NHS workers, it also helps keep the Punch team busy in their kitchen at a time when the main restaurant has had to close to help combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus."

Punch Bar & Tapas was awarded Best Restaurant in Yorkshire at The Food Awards 2018.

NHS employees can register for the Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday service on a first-come-first-served basis here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/punch-bar-tapas-nhs-menu-tickets-100555221374