The Friday Lunch Club aims to ensure older, lonely or vulnerable residents of the city enjoy a free two-course freshly made lunch, delivered directly to their door every Friday.
The Lunch Club is an opportunity to be part of a community of diners, joining a city-wide initiative from the comfort and safety of their homes. In return, Friday Lunch Club only asks for a voluntary donation to be made to the project’s partners: Chichester Cathedral and/or Pallant House Gallery.
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.
Nick Sutherland, Director of the Sussex Pub Group said:
"This latest lockdown is so tough on us all, but particularly for older people, many of whom live on their own. The teams at Pallant Café and Purchases all wanted to help by doing something for lonely local people to look forward to even if its once a week.”
The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Stephen Waine, said:
“This project is in response to the isolation and loneliness many in our community are experiencing as a result of the pandemic. We are incredibly grateful to Nick and his team for working with us and encourage the public to share word of this initiative to those in Chichester who most need it.”
Simon Martin, Director of Pallant House Gallery, said:
“Having lunch in the Pallant Café has been an important part of the experience of visiting Pallant House Gallery. Even though our doors are currently closed, the importance of the arts for our sense of community, creativity and well-being has never been more apparent. At this difficult time we are grateful both to Nick and his team for their innovative initiative to help support members of our community and for the donations in support of the Gallery's programmes."
Each week a new menu is created and published online via Chichester Cathedral’s website. Residents are invited to make their booking by phone or email. A member of the Friday Lunch Club will then be in touch to arrange a delivery slot on the Friday.
The two-course meal, main dish and dessert will be delivered in sealed containers in a brown recyclable bag delivered to your door by our staff who will wear a mask. Hands will be sanitised before after each delivery.
