Coronavirus: Eastbourne hotel and restaurant sets up as emergency food supplier

The New Wilmington and Mulberry Restaurant in Compton Street are using their catering suppliers to provide much-needed food to key workers, and the vulnerable, elderly and self-isolating members of the public who are struggling to get food.

Joint owner of the hotel and restaurant Sally Kitchen said she started the service two days ago (Tuesday) after she was ‘absolutely horrified’ when she saw people bulk-buying from supermarkets.

Sally said, “There is not a food shortage. It’s people being so greedy. They are making it impossible for key workers, like carers and NHS staff, to get food at the end of the day.

“I just think everyone is in the same boat. If people want help, call us. We will do the best we can. If you are struggling and are scared and worried, call us. We will help anybody.”

Sally, who has been at the hotel since last July with her husband and two children, said her service includes collection and delivery, and she said she has a variety of items like eggs, baked beans, bread, milk and rice.

Sally said she is herself a ‘high-risk’ person to the virus and is making sure to take every safety precaution when delivering the food and dealing with customers, which includes leaving the food packages on the hotel doorway and only taking payments over the phone.

The hotel’s Facebook page, which is called New Wilmington Hotel, has had messages of appreciation from customers who were helped by Sally’s service.

Rebecca Brueton wrote on Facebook, “Thank you so much for your delivery. I’ve never been so pleased to see some food. We’ve been self-isolating for a week, as my eldest was unwell last week, so have been eating some pretty odd stuff from the cupboards.”

Sally said another customer compared a food delivery to like having ‘Father Christmas’ arrive and that they have never been ‘so pleased’ to see food.

• Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is an illness which affects the lungs and airways. Symptoms are a high temperature and continuous cough.

• The Government is now telling people to stay at home unless: shopping for basic necessities, one form of exercise a day, any medical need or to help a vulnerable person, and travelling to and from work - ONLY when absolutely necessary

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