An independent Harrogate restaurant is stepping up to the plate once again and offering free meals for homeless people on Christmas Day.

Portofino Ristorante will open from 2pm to 4pm to serve a full turkey dinner for anyone without a roof over their head.

As well as the food, those in need will also come away with a Christmas gift in the form of gloves, hats, scarves or sleeping bags.

Ozgur Babat, owner of the Italian restaurant Portofino, told the Stray Ferret:

“Many businesses are struggling right now but we are lucky enough to be in a position to help others.

“The response has been incredible, so many people have shared it online so hopefully we can reach those people in need.”

Read more:

• Harrogate restaurant serves first free school meals
• Free Christmas meals for older people in Harrogate district

With the help of charitable people locally the restaurant is already at full capacity for winter clothes and sleeping bags.

The restaurant will serve turkey with pigs in blankets, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy from its new Christmas menu.

The restaurant has been inundated with donations.

Coronavirus guidelines means that everyone will have to sit on a seperate table, so there will be room for around 25 people.

Since sharing the news on the Portofino Ristorante page, people have shared the post more than 1,000 times.

An Italian restaurant in Harrogate has stepped up to the plate to deliver free school meals this half term week.

Portofino Ristorante has cooked about 70 meals today including pizza, pasta and chips for those most in need.

The charitable move, which hundreds of cafes and restaurants across the country are also doing, follows a controversial vote in Parliament.

Read more:

• Harrogate restaurant to deliver meals to families in need
• Harrogate shops raise money with ‘Giraffle’ for food bank
• What is the situation in the Harrogate district on free school meals?

Ozgur Babat, who owns Portofino on Albert Street, decided to take action when the government voted down a motion to extend free school meals over half term and the Christmas holidays.

Any families who need a meal can get in touch with the restaurant, which will prepare a meal for volunteers to deliver to their door.

There are around 2,000 children in Harrogate who receive free school meals.

How many other places deliver free school meals?

(Please make sure to check how long the offers are available for as some may vary.)

• Art from the Heart, Harrogate is offering to drop off a parcel of essentials – message them on Facebook here.
• Caffe Tempo, Ripon is offering a free lunch – message them on Facebook here.
• Estabulo Rodizio Bar and Grill, Harrogate is cooking 100 free meals each day – collection is from the restaurant between 4-5pm.
• Harrogate Fisheries is offering a free kids sausage and chips lunch meals between 11.30am – 1.45pm this week – ask for the deal when ordering inside.
• Harrogate Tea Rooms is offering a free lunch – just head into the Tea Room for its no judgement offer.
• Hazel House Guide headquarters is offering free, pre-booked meals – call April Martin on 07855802373 to book.
• Indulge Deli Bar, Harrogate is offering a free hot or cold lunch – ask for the Marcus Rashford deal when ordering inside.
• Konak Meze, Harrogate is offering free hot meals or essentials – message on Facebook here.
• Major Tom’s Social, Harrogate is offering free kids pizzas between 12-4pm – find out more here.
• Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Rooms, Knaresborough is offering a free packed lunch – ask for the deal when ordering inside.
• Thug Sandwiches, Harrogate is offering a free lunch – message on Facebook here.
• The Forge Sandwich Shop, Ripon is offering a free packed lunch – message them on Facebook here.
• The Harrogate CBD Company has joined forces with Mrs Smith’s Cafe in Jennyfields to provide a free lunch – go to the cafe or message them on Facebook here.
• Ash Grove Guest House on Kings Road in Harrogate is offering free warm breakfasts – call them on 01423 569970

Please get in touch using contact@thestrayferret.co.uk to be added to the list

Ozgur Babat is the owner of Portofino Ristorante.