Indian takeaway to give away meals on Christmas Day to the elderly and vulnerable

AN award-winning Indian takeaway in Pennington will open on Christmas Day to provide hundreds of free meals for elderly and vulnerable residents.

The team at Forest Tandoori have pledged to dish out as many three-course set meals as possible between 2pm and 8.30pm to people who request them either in advance or on the day.

The family-run takeaway, which was recently recognised with a top accolade in the prestigious Good Food Awards, is prepared to create up to 300 or more main meals and sides for the community.

Spokesperson Shima Miah, whose father Shah Rahman has run the Fox Pond business since 1998, said: “We know that Christmas will be a difficult time for many people this year who may be separated from their loved ones or struggling financially.

“We felt that we wanted to do something for those in need so we decided to offer free set meals for anyone in the community who is vulnerable, elderly or struggling financially this year.”

The Christmas Day offer, which has been circulated widely on social media, follows a previous initiative by the business in Milford Road to give free food to Lymington hospital staff and residents at a nearby care home during the pandemic.

Shima said: “On a busy weekend evening we cook 250 or more main courses, so we are prepared and we haven’t set any limits on the number of meals we will give away.

“If people are vulnerable or alone and would benefit from a hot meal we do not want to turn them away.”

Anyone requesting a free set meal can choose an appetiser of onion baji or meat or vegetable samosa, followed by a main course curry dish prepared with chicken, lamb or vegetables, accompanied by a rice dish and naan bread. Poppadums and onion salad will also be included.

Co-owner Khalid Rahman said: “If you or anyone you know is in need this Christmas, please don’t be afraid or embarrassed to contact us confidentially. You can call, email or private message us on Facebook to place your order and we will have it ready for you to collect.”

To contact Forest Tandoori call 01590 688446 or email info@foresttandoori.com