This Wimbledon pub is serving free turkey for anyone who is alone on Christmas Day

Christmas can be a difficult time for some, especially for people who find themselves alone on the big day.
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The Alexandra pub in Wimbledon is hoping to spread cheer and joy to locals by offering a free Christmas dinner to those who would otherwise be alone.

Owners Mick and Sarah Dore started serving free drinks to anyone spending Christmas alone 12 years ago.

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But after they noticed an older gentleman lingering on after they closed the bar one year, they decided to start serving Christmas dinner as well.

Since 2014, dozens of people have shown up every year for the Wimbledon Hill Road pub’s Don’t Be On Your Own Christmas dinner.

The Alexandra pub in Wimbledon. Credit: the AlexandraThe Alexandra pub in Wimbledon. Credit: the Alexandra
The Alexandra pub in Wimbledon. Credit: the Alexandra

This might include older people, stranded international students and anyone who happens to find themselves alone on December 25.

“It’s quite a hard thing to admit that you’re on your own and to sign up to go to a pub that you don’t normally go to for a meal for people on their own,” Sarah told LondonWorld.

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“But people trust us to do it in a way that’s welcoming and non-judgemental.

The entire initiative is funded completely by customers donating to change boxes behind the bar.

Owners Mick and Sarah Dore. Credit: The AlexOwners Mick and Sarah Dore. Credit: The Alex
Owners Mick and Sarah Dore. Credit: The Alex

The local community also comes together to buy and wrap gifts so everyone can receive a Christmas present as well.

“All our suppliers have been amazing in donating vegetables and turkeys and drinks as well,” Mrs Dore continues.

For anyone wanting to go along, all you need to do is show up between noon to 3pm on Christmas Day, no booking is required.