Washington Indian restaurant Bombay Barn offers free children's meals on Mondays to struggling families after success of half term help

Bombay Barn, in Washington, decided to build on the help it offered families over half term, serving free meals to children during October week after being shocked by the number of struggling families in the area who needed support.

Now the team at the Indian restaurant have made this a weekly offer and are encouraging families who are going through a difficult time to pay them a visit.

The restaurant, in Front Street, Concord, is offering free pizzas and curries and has encouraged parents not to be embarrassed to ask for help.

Bombay Barn owner Arif Sheikh said: “I think struggling families need to be taken care of, whether it comes from the Government or the local community. We offered free kids meals during half term and had a lot of struggling families turn up so we decided to offer it every Monday to continue that support and try to help.

“A lot of people are embarrassed to ask for help or have nowhere to turn, so this is a good way for kids to get a hot meal. If anyone needs support please get in touch.”

After being forced to close for the second national lockdown, Bombay Barn will be continuing to operate as a takeaway and supporting the community throughout.

In April 2020, owner Arif launched a food donation hub to support the community, offering free meals to emergency services and also put smiles on the faces of children with make your own pizza kits.

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