NHS staff working on the COVID-19 front line at Kings College Hospital in London are receiving free meals daily from local publican Eduardo Dantas. Staff at the hospital have praised Dantas, from Tia Maria Bar & Restaurant in South Lambeth, London, after he began preparing and delivering up to 60 freshly cooked meals to them for free each day.
The news, which comes after the Government requested the closure of all pubs and bars, with the exception of those offering takeaway services, demonstrates the continued desire and passion of publicans across the country to act as a hub for their communities.
Dantas, who pays for, prepares and delivers the meals himself, has been thanked personally by the staff at Kings College Hospital. After making one of his daily deliveries last week, he was invited into the staff room where they showed their appreciation with a round of applause which left him in tears.
Dantas said that he appreciates the long hours they work and felt he had to give something back. “I knew that many of these wonderful NHS staff who work tirelessly for the general public, wouldn’t have time to make themselves a nutritious meal when they got home after a long day. I feel very much a part of this community and wanted to do my bit during these testing times. It brings me so much joy knowing that I am helping in some way.”
Ei Publican Partnerships Regional Manager Indy Kenth added: “Eduardo Dantas is such a wonderful example of what publicans across the country are doing to support their communities during these unprecedented times. Pubs, bars and restaurants are proving that they are very much at the heart of the community and to have Eduardo selflessly offering his time and money to help the NHS, despite having to close his own venue, just shows what local heroes they really are.”
H&C News would like to say thank you to Eduardo Dantas, every meal makes a big difference to the people on the front line who are keeping each and every one of us safe.