WHETHER you are homeless or just in need of some company on Christmas Day, a Cowley Road cafe will be opening its doors to offer a free festive buffet.

Arabic bakery Za'atar are set to host the socially-distanced festive celebration between 1pm and 4pm.

Owner Mahmoud Al-Hadad said he and business partner Ahmad Mohamad, who will be cooking the seasonal spread, wanted to ensure everyone had somewhere to go on December 25, especially as more people would be forgoing seeing loved ones due to the pandemic.

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He said: "This year is going to be very different to normal.

"A lot of people are struggling right now, even if they do have a job Oxford is such an expensive city to live in.

"It doesn't matter if you are homeless, have mental health problems or just don't want to be alone, everyone is welcome."

Oxford Mail: Mahmoud Al-Hadad with a huge tray of honeyed pastry treat baklawa and two Oxford Hub volunteers. Picture: Ed NixMahmoud Al-Hadad with a huge tray of honeyed pastry treat baklawa and two Oxford Hub volunteers. Picture: Ed Nix

He said food would be served as a buffet and there would be strict measures in place to keep people safe.

This will include having around 10 volunteers to make sure everyone wears a mask as they enter and use hand sanitiser before being seated.

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Only 30 to 35 people will be allowed in at a time, and Mr Al-Hadad said they were expecting anywhere from 100 to 150 people throughout the afternoon. After each table is finished it will also be thoroughly cleaned ready for the next diners.

As well as food, there will be live music outside by a variety of musicians during the day to spread some Christmas cheer.

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The business on social media said: "Christmas is the time to be surrounded by warmth and a hearty meal which unfortunately many people cannot fall back on.

"That is why on Christmas day we open our doors to anyone who finds themselves without money or a hot meal."

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In a video explaining the idea, Mr Mohomad said: "We are doing this to give back to our community and show our appreciation for the support we've received over the last two years."

People have praised the pair for their work, with Jill Harkin, writing under the Facebook post, said: "This is so beautiful. You’ve brought a tear to my eyes.You are such a wonderful part of the Oxford community."

Parveen Alam added: "You guys are do so much for the community! Thank you."

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This is not the first time Za'atar Bake has helped out during the pandemic, giving away more than 60 kilos of baklava this summer in exchange for donations to volunteer service Oxford Hub.

They also hand out entire meals for free to anyone who is in need.

Mr Al-Hadad explained the pandemic and spending three months during the first lockdown living alone had made him ‘rethink things’ and believed deeply in giving back to the East Oxford community.

He said while there would be no charge for food on Christmas Day people were welcome to donate money to cover costs if they wanted to, or to donate to charity instead.

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