Pub that hosts annual free Christmas dinner donates prize money to charity

A pub working to combat loneliness in its community has donated £1,000 in prize money to charity after making it to the final of the Great British Pub Awards.

The Alexandra pub in Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon, made it to the final six in the community hero category of the awards. 

Managers of the 19th century pub, Mick and Sarah Dore, both 57, who live in Wimbledon, donated their winnings to the Dogs for Good charity, which supports people with disabilities with the help of expertly trained dogs.

Mr and Mrs Dore have been combatting loneliness in their community for years. Every Monday the pub hosts its meet-up Mondays club, offering a space for people who are alone, with food, drinks and bingo.

But the driving force behind the nomination is the pub’s free Christmas Day dinners for anyone spending the holiday alone.

The initiative, now in its seventh year, aims to help people in the community who may experience loneliness during the festive season. 

With ingredients donated by customers and suppliers, and volunteers helping to cook and serve, the pub’s Christmas Day dinners initiative typically caters for 150 poeple.

The pub also provides meals for St Mark’s Church over Christmas and fundraises for Dons Local Action Group – a charity combating poverty and homelessness in South-west London.  

Mrs Dore said: “Everyone who plays a part in shaping The Alexandra feels a deep sense of pride in the pub reaching the final of this award. 

“It reassures us that we’re on the right track and making choices that truly benefit our locals. 

“I hope that this nomination spreads the word and inspires others to reach out to those feeling lonely in their local community.

“Even if just one more person steps in to help, it can make a massive difference.”

Pictured top: Mick and Sarah Dore holding their £1,000 cheque awarded by the Great British Pub Awards (Picture: Supplied by City Press)