Top chef Gemma offers free roast dinners for those in need

Chef Gemma Austin is opening the doors of her A Peculiar Tea restaurant on Sundays until Christmas to give a free roast dinner to those in need.

The University Road favourite is asking families and individuals struggling with the cost of living to book a table and enjoy dinner and dessert at no cost.

Great British Menu alumni Gemma said: “Times are tough and with Christmas approaching everyone is under pressure with paying bills, heating homes and buying presents.

“It’s not a lot, but one proper meal a week can be a massive help to those who need it.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a full-time worker who’s fallen on some hard times or a single mother/father with children who just need a hand. Take the help that’s offered. We all need it sometimes.”

The free dinners are on offer between noon and 3pm every Sunday from October 30 until December 18 inclusive and Gemma said the team will try its best to send diners home with a food parcel.

To avail of the offer email chefgemmaaustin@gmail.com or send a message to 07842 828 240 by the Thursday evening before the Sunday you want to attend and mention how many people will be joining you. Gemma says people are welcome to dine every Sunday if they need to.

“We hope that people who have large disposable incomes won’t use this as an excuse for free grub as we won’t be asking any questions about those attending. We hope only people who will benefit from this will take part. There will be free juice available too. The bar will be closed and alcohol cannot be brought in.”

She said no photographs will be posted on social media “to ensure it’s anonymous to those who attend”.

A Peculiar Tea is open Tuesday to Saturday and offers themed afternoon teas and tasting menus. Previous themes have included Cluedo, Roald Dahl and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.