Duke of Buckingham pub landlord helps to make and deliver 65,000 meals to vulnerable residents

Over the last 12 months pub favourites including cottage pies, chicken pies and Sunday roasts have been delivered to the doors of isolating residents in Old Portsmouth.

Andrew, 58, said: ‘I could have sat at home and done nothing but I wanted to help the community during this difficult time.’

After making and delivering an estimated 65,000 meals, Andrew and the staff at the Duke of Buckingham have been selected for the We Can Do It Best Business award.

After being informed of the accolade Andrew said: ‘Anything which is a pat on the back is a good thing. A lot of people have done a good things during the pandemic and so it’s nice to be recognised for something we’ve done.

‘I see it as a bit of a partnership. We’ve helped people by delivering the meals but they’ve helped us by keeping the Duke of Buckingham on the map.

‘We’ve had lots of good feedback on the meals. They’re really good portions and some people have said they’ve frozen half the meal and used it over two days.’

Throughout the pandemic the non-profit making initiative has delivered between 70 and 90 meals per day to those in need.

Due to not having a beer garden Andrew has said the pub will not reopen on April 12 but is hopeful of reopening once customers are allowed back inside venues on May 17.

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