A CHIP shop owner gave away dozens of hot meals to homeless people in Weymouth after a coach party cancelled their order due to a booking blunder.
Paul Hay, owner of Fish 'n' Fritz, said the coach party had mistakenly booked with his business instead of a takeaway in Gloucestershire.
Due to the gaffe, Mr Hay was left with 45 orders at the chip shop, in Market Street, that could have gone to waste at lunchtime - until he decided to donate the hot dinners to The Lantern Trust and Bus Shelter Dorset.
READ MORE: Church hall on Dorchester Road, Weymouth may be demolished for parking
Mr Hay said: "We welcome a lot of coach parties for lunch throughout the year, but on this occasion, the coach party had booked us instead of a fish shop in Cirencester.
"They realised their mistake when they arrived at their destination and found they had empty plates.
"Meanwhile, I had their pre-ordered lunches cooked in time for their expected arrival and no customers, but every cloud has a silver lining.
"We got straight on the phone to Emily McCarron from The Bus Shelter Dorset and Mike Graham from the Lantern Trust, to donate the meals."
The surprise donation was well received by the charities.
Ms McCarron from The Bus Shelter Dorset, said, "It was all aboard for a great lunch at The Bus Shelter Dorset thanks to Paul.
"We're so grateful to have such a well loved local business continuing to support our guests and love working with Paul and his team."
Mike Graham from the Lantern Trust said: "Our charity provides hot meals for around 80 people a week and donations are always welcome.
"No one went hungry and our clients had a welcome feast thanks to Paul.
"Paul has always been generous to our work and that of all of the local community.
"Gestures such as this can go a long way in someone feeling valued and we had a lot of very appreciative customers."
Mr Hay added: "It was our pleasure to make the donation.
"We like to help out the local community whenever we can."
Fish ‘n Fritz, Market Street, Weymouth was named as one of the UK’s 50 Best Fish & Chip Takeaways 2021 – the only chip shop in the Weymouth to make the prestigious list. And, they are no strangers to charitable giving either. Earlier this year, they donated fresh fruit and vegetable boxes to the Weymouth Foodbank.
CONTACT ME:
t: 01305 830999
e: sam.mckeown
@newsquest.co.uk
twitter: @SamMcKReporter
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel