BISTROT Pierre has teamed up with local charity Ilkley & District Good Neighbours to donate meals to residents who may be in need this festive season.

Ilkley diners celebrating with friends and family by eating out this Christmas, will also be contributing towards a free restaurant meal for a resident in the community.

For every Sunday Christmas party booking of six people or more in December, Bistrot Pierre, will gift a free Menu Pierre three-course meal to a Ilkley resident, redeemable throughout January 2024. This initiative comes after a year that has seen an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, and an increase in those relying on charity support . According to independent think tank The Resolution Foundation, studies have found that a further 1.3 million people have been pushed into poverty during 2023, in addition to increased social isolation.

The Christmas initiative by French restaurant Bistrot Pierre, first introduced last year, will donate dinners to well-deserving Ilkley residents, nominated by local charity Good Neighbours Ilkley, providing a place for the community to gather and celebrate the festive season together.

Ilkley & District Good Neighbours has once again been chosen in recognition of their work operating a range of social and practical schemes, constantly striving to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people in their area by helping with shopping, befriending, social activities and trips. Its belief in the power of community is strong, with volunteers providing free services to older, disabled and vulnerable people throughout Ilkley, Addingham and Burley in Wharfedale, relieving isolation and promoting general wellbeing.

“We are thrilled to be the nominated partner to receive support from Ilkley Bistrot Pierre again this year,” says Lucy Steer of Ilkley & District Good Neighbours. “Our clients had the most amazing time in January this year, enjoying a delicious meal and company all thanks to the generosity of the Ilkley Community and Bistrot Pierre.

“The winter months can be extremely challenging for some of our clients with some of their social groups closing for the season and having very little interaction. Having the joy of a wonderful meal and company with friends and meeting new people is a great light at the end of the tunnel for many and a highlight in their calendar. We look forward to enjoying a wonderful day at Bistrot Pierre in January 2024.”

“We are delighted to be welcoming back our community charity partners this Christmas,” says Bistrot Pierre’s CEO Nick White. “Community is at the heart of what we do and as families continue to struggle with the cost-of-living this Christmas, we want to open our doors and welcome those most in need to enjoy a well-deserved and much-needed treat on us.

“We hope customers will want to get involved and make a difference to the lives of vulnerable residents in Ilkley. We are still taking bookings for our Christmas period, so we're encouraging customers to try and be as generous as possible and enjoy a little bit of festive fun with us, which will also help those residents most in need in the area.

“It goes without saying, that we want to say thank you to Good Neighbours Ilkley for all the incredible work they do for the Ilkley community. And most importantly, we hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!”

For further information about Bistrot Pierre and to book a table this Christmas, please visit: www.bistrotpierre.co.uk. For more information about Ilkley & District Good Neighbours, please visit goodneighboursilkley.org.uk