Pubs offer free meals for people spending Christmas alone

A brewery is offering free Christmas dinners to people who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.

Hall and Woodhouse will be serving more than 300 three-course meals at 50 of its pubs across the south of England on 25 December.

The firm, based in Blandford, Dorset, said places for its Community Christmas Table initiative were being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

It said the value of the scheme was expected to exceed £25,000.

Regional manager Matt Woodhouse said: "We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some, and the day can be shadowed by grief and loneliness.

"With that in mind, it's important to us that we offer a warm and welcoming space to be on Christmas Day for those who find themselves alone this season."

Hall and Woodhouse operates more than 250 pubs in Dorset, Hampshire, Berkshire, Sussex, Surrey, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Middlesex.

Anyone wishing to request a seat or nominate someone else should contact a participating pub.

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