The Friday Lunch Club was an opportunity for older, lonely and vulnerable people in the city to enjoy a free two-course freshly made lunch, delivered directly to their door each Friday from January – March 2021.
Over 900 hot meals were delivered to 79 homes over this 3 month period to residents of Chichester.
The initiative was devised by Nick Sutherland, Director of the Sussex Pub Company who operate popular restaurants and eateries across the West Sussex region, including Purchases and Pallant Café.
In return, the Friday Lunch Club only asked for a voluntary donation to be made to the project’s partners: Chichester Cathedral and Pallant House Gallery.
The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Stephen Waine, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Nick and his team for the work they have done over the past few months – and to those who so kindly a made donation to the Cathedral. Many have been experiencing isolation and loneliness as a result of the pandemic, and we are delighted to have been able to support this project.”
Director of Pallant House Gallery, Simon Martin, said:
“The lockdown has been a difficult time for many of the older and vulnerable in Chichester, and we were so pleased that the Pallant House Gallery Café has been able to bring delicious meals to so many in the city. We are grateful to all of the volunteers and to those who have made donations to support the Gallery's community work. We look forward welcoming everyone back when the Gallery and Café reopen on 18th May.”
Director of the Sussex Pub Company, Nick Sutherland, said:
“This is not the end for the Lunch Club. As our volunteers return to work, the service will now be offered solely through Pallant House Gallery Café and has been renamed to the ‘Friday Supper Club’. This change means that it will now be a paid service rather than a donation, opening up to all residents in Chichester, regardless of age or circumstance – meaning more people can enjoy restaurant quality hot meals at home.
We are grateful to all of those who made orders and donations, and to our chefs and volunteers for their hard work throughout lockdown.”
The revised service will be available to both click and collect from the Pallant Café or for delivery for a small additional fee in the central Chichester area.
To find out more, please visit: www.pallantcafe.co.uk/friday-supper-club
