The Fat Cat pub give up their Christmas Day to spread some cheer for the night shelter’s residents
This is the third year the Fat Cat will buy, prep, cook, and deliver the full works to CENS on the 25th, saving the charity an estimated £800 and providing a much-needed special occasion for all those here on the day. Friends and employees of the family-run pub Stuart, Heidi, Harrison, Max and Ruby Sherlock are giving up their Christmas day to come in on the morning to cook the lunch and deliver it to the shelter for around 1pm. There’ll be roast turkey, pigs in blanket, roast potatoes, parsnips, sprouts and homemade gravy.
Helping the homeless
The pub is situated across from CENS and regularly supports the shelter. Collecting money for the CENS 2025 Soap Box Rally and sending donations our way. As residents are breathalysed on entry to the shelter, the Fat Cat employees don’t often get to meet residents. However, manager of the Fat Cat, Sarah Goodard, says ‘we used to have one chap come in regularly for a tomato juice. I had no idea he was a resident until I saw on your Facebook page that he was with you but had found somewhere to live. It just goes to show that anyone can experience homelessness, and you never know what’s going on in someone’s life. It was lovely to see that he has somewhere permanent to live now.”
Community spirit
Sarah has been working for the pub on and off for a few years and has now been manager for a year. When asked why the Fat Cat had decided to support CENS again, she said, ‘you are good neighbours and it’s a privilege to help support you and provide the residents with a nice treat on Christmas day. I live close by and have never had any issues with the guests who come and go at CENS. Between the pub, CENS and everyone who lives on Alexandra Road, it’s a nice community we have.”
Giving back
Alexis who owns the pub with her brother James says, “we are committed to CENS as a worthy cause. This is the first year since Covid that the pub has had a really good year so it’s only right to give back. We have some wonderful employees who are gladly giving up their time to come in and help Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.”
“I think with all the financial strain on the system, charities like CENS is a lifeline for people. It’s a cause close to my heart as I know that not everyone is lucky to have a loving family to see at Christmas and CENS are there for those in need. Being able to help keep people’s spirits up at this time of year is something I feel passionate about. I just hope it’s a success and that the residents enjoy it!’’
To try some of their delicious dinners for yourself, head to Fat Cat .
