The Fatling, on the High Street in Hornchurch, has donated all its surplus stock to the local Ambulance Service.
The pub’s surplus crisps, snacks, nuts, juices and soft drinks, were all donated to the invaluable community service to show the team’s appreciation and ensure the people who keep it running could enjoy a break with a snack whenever they needed one.
Many of Stonegate’s furloughed teams have stepped up during each lockdown to support their local communities in a variety of ways, from mass 3D printing PPE for NHS staff during the first lockdown, to free school meals in the second, to crocheting ‘fiddle blankets’ for dementia patients this time around. This new initiative allows the pubs to continue their central roles in their communities, despite doors being closed.
Sandy Castle, General Manager of the Fatling, said: “I was absolutely delighted to be able to give something back to the people who have done so much for Hornchurch over the last year. We can’t wait to begin to reopen next month. It’s been a hard year, but as with everyone across the nation, we hope that this will be the last lockdown and we can start moving towards a new normal where we can see our family and friends and enjoy a great British Summer.”
The Fatling is set to reopen on Monday 12 April, in line with government guidance.
Colin Hawkins, Operations Director for Stonegate Pub Company, said: “We’re delighted to be able to give away our short-dated products to a range of worthwhile causes. We wanted to give each GM the autonomy to choose where it goes, as they all have relationships with their local charities and their fingers on the pulse of their local communities, to know exactly to who and where the food and drink would make the most difference.
“We’ve seen the most difficult year in most of our living memory over the last 12 months, but I’m delighted to say, against adversity, our teams continue to surprise us with their creativity, drive and ingenuity when it comes to making a difference to their local communities.”
Across Stonegate’s managed estate teams also continues to keep their customers entertained with weekly pub quizzes online, where both the company’s teams and customers take part. The Fatling is dedicated to continuing customer engagement and support, despite lockdown and continues to look for ways, both little and large, to make a difference in the areas it serves.
