A Coverdale restaurant is raising money for a local social enterprise.
The Saddle Room, at Tupgill Park, near Middleham, is offering a takeaway service with all profits going towards a local social enterprise set up to support Dales residents.
Staff are returning to work on a voluntary basis to support the Out of the Saddle initiative and become the first official sponsors of the Group Hug app, developed by Leyburn resident Jonathan Greenwood.
During lockdown, Jonathan enlisted the support of volunteers and businesses to deliver his We Will Meet Again parcels to vulnerable people and keyworkers across.
Following on from the success of the scheme, Jonathan is developing the Group Hug App, designed to provide advice and mental health support to local people.
Leo Morris, general manager of The Saddle Room said: “Closing our doors has hit us just as hard as any other hospitality business”
“I approached my team, who are currently on furlough, with the Out of the Saddle idea and they all jumped at the chance to give up their time voluntarily.”
Leo and his teams were now putting the necessary precautions in place to ensure they are able to offer the service safely,
Jonathan, from Group Hug, said: “I’m impressed with Leo and his team’s entrepreneurial idea to benefit the wider social community.
“Although closed for business, this free to operate and voluntary run scheme provides an essential food service to the community, whilst our new social enterprise benefits as having the Saddle Room our first sponsor.”
All profits from the service will go to the social enterprise.
The Saddle Room Out of the Saddle trial service will be available with a on Friday, May 15 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Go to http://www.thesaddleroom.co.uk/take-aways/ for details.
