THE pub where Winston Churchill ‘learnt to drink’ has launched a community kitchen to help feed the most vulnerable people in the area.
The White House pub in Bladon was saved by the community last year after fears it would end up in the hands of developers.
Residents forged a committee, the Bladon Community Pub, and in May 2020, successfully had an offer accepted by Greene King.
News first broke that the pub was going to be sold at the end of the summer in 2019.
Read again: Pub where Churchill ‘learnt to drink’ saved by community
It became officially owned by the community in July last year.
Now, the pub has launched a community kitchen, giving back to those who supported its plight.
The Bladon Community Benefit Society launched a Crowdfunder, which raised the necessary funds to roll out the community kitchen.
The scheme is designed to help those struggling financially, self-isolating or shielding with hot meals to be delivered to their door.
The White House pub in Bladon
Mondays will see beef lasagne freshly made and delivered to residents, leading up to fish and chips on a Friday.
In the intervening days, chill con carne (Tuesday), macaroni cheese (Wednesday), and sausage and mash (Thursday) will be on the menu.
Vegetarian options are also available daily, while the pub asks that allergy requests are notified.
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Pub landlord Johnny Roberts said: “In conjunction with the #endchildfoodpoverty campaign we have seen that there is a real need to provide a hot nutritious meal to the vulnerable in our local area.
“This pandemic has hit those who are most vulnerable incredibly hard, so we aim to provide a free hot meal to anyone who needs it, young or old.
“No one should go to bed hungry or worry where their next meal is coming from.
“We have applied for grant funding but this is not guaranteed, so in order to start providing this service we have set up this crowdfunding page to support our efforts.
“All donations are very welcome. Every £5 you give provides someone with a free hot meal delivered to their door, so we really are incredibly grateful for any money you can spare.
“The fantastic team at the White House pub, along with volunteers, will be able to cook and deliver a hot meal to those who are vulnerable or unable to get out to buy food.”
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Upon publication, the Crowdfunder had raised almost £2,300.
The White House has become renown for being the pub where former Prime Minister Mr Churchill drank during his adolescent years and it was this link that saw the committee gain momentum and interest when trying to raise funds to save the pub.
Sir Winston Churchill. Picture: PA Wire
The plight of the pub was even picked up in Australia, when news channel 9 News Australia featured the story.
To donate to the Crowdfunder, please visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/the-white-house-community-kitchen
Alternatively to find out more about the community kitchen, please email: thewhitehousebladon@hotmail.com or phone 01993 811288.
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