Doncaster restaurant forced to close over coronavirus to give free food to elderly

The Clam & Cork in Doncaster Market has shut its doors as the globe battles the deadly virus.

But staff don't want to let food go to waste – and instead have unveiled plans for it to go to the most vulnerable.

A post on Facebook said: “As from now we are closed to the public. Although we've been hit pretty hard at a time when the Clam and Cork starts to recover from the colder months, we agree with the existing advice for people to 'stay away' in order to protect yourselves and others from coronavirus.

“As you will be aware the 70+ are the most at risk and if they don't get food and supplies their chances of being infected – and worse - will increase dramatically.

“We have the facilities and due to what's going on feel it would be a wasted opportunity to just close our doors shut till it's over.

“The chefs have the will and passion to do something special as well as creative licence to provide simple food that can be enjoyed by our most vulnerable.

“This will be provided by Clam & Cork for free until we run out of existing food stocks or are forced into lockdown.

“We would like to team up with our friends andcustomers via Facebook and extend the opportunity to help us help the 70+ by identifying people who may be well served by what we're doing.

“Alternatively, you may be 70+ and usually would visit us but due to the circumstances are self isolating.”The restaurant is looking for volunteers to collect food and deliver it to people most in need.

“Be it a neighbour, someone who's reached out on here, or someone you've identified that may benefit from some comfort - comfort in the knowledge that people are there to help, there for them in times of uncertainty, may make a huge difference.”

Anyone who can help can contact the restaurant via Facebook.