Restaurant Delhi 6 offers free meals to elderly residents self-isolating due to coronavirus

Indian street food restaurant Delhi 6 has announced it will be offering a number of free meals every day to those who are unable to leave their homes due to the spread of Covid-19.

The restaurant, on Ocean Road, launched the initiative on Monday, March 16 after the Prime Minister gave his latest update on the situation across the UK.

Boris Johnson has urged people to stay away from pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues and advised that where possible, people should work from home.

Delhi 6 owner Shah Lalon Amin says the business has taken a massive hit over the last few days, with 30 cancellations in the hours after the Prime Minister’s speech.

Sales were also down by 20% last week and he fears he may not be able to sustain his 30-strong team.

“The coronavirus has had a massive impact on our business so far and after the latest news we thought we might as well do something productive,” said Lalon.

“We realise there are a lot of people self-isolating and sometimes you have to look beyond the business and do what you can to support the vulnerable and elderly people in the community.”

Between 5pm-6pm every day the restaurant will be offering a free starter, main and rice dish to elderly residents in South Shields.

To be eligible they need to call Delhi 6 directly and ask for the manager, Lalon.

It is recommended that a named relative collect their order from the restaurant for them, but staff can also deliver the items to their front door if they don’t have any relatives in the area.

“We have been inundated with calls from elderly people who are alone, it is really sad to see people afraid to come out of their own homes,” Lalon added.

“Our only policy is that the elderly person needs to phone us directly.

“We will be using our common sense and ask that people don’t take advantage.”

Contact Delhi 6 on 0191 447 9962.