Places in Coventry to get a free Christmas meal if you are alone on Christmas Day

[dutchman]

There's still places for you to go to for a free meal if you are alone this Christmas in Coventry



Christmas is nearly here, with many gearing up to finalise their festive shopping as the day edges closer. While many spend their Christmas at home with their friends and families, there are some who are not so fortunate and have to spend the festivities alone or are in a vulnerable position and cannot afford to enjoy the holidays.

Many people in various situations find themselves stuck for Christmas with nowhere to go, but some places in Coventry offer free Christmas meals on Christmas Day for those who are homeless, feel lonely, or struggle to afford to eat on a daily basis.

From local charities to churches, we have listed the places in Coventry where you can have a Christmas meal alone this festive season.

Coventry Open Christmas

Coventry Open Christmas is a voluntary organisation that provides shelter and food to the homeless and lonely over Christmas. It will be open 24 hours a day from Tuesday, December 24, from 2 p.m. until Sunday, December 29, at 10 a.m. It will be held at Queens Road Baptist Church in the city centre.

They will be offering the following services:

• emergency overnight sleeping for the homeless or anyone in need
  
• free hot meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner times
  
• emergency food parcels
  
• entertainment each night, including bingo during the day and prizes

There will also be a free breakfast with Santa on Monday, December 23, at 10 a.m., which 'everyone is welcome' to attend. Kids will get to meet Santa and receive a free toy and a selection box. The address is: Queens Road Baptist Church, Coventry, CV1 3EG.

Coventry Cyrenians

Charity Coventry Cyrenians will host its annual Christmas Day event on December 25 at Methodist Central Hall, which will be run by volunteers. The charity has provided Christmas Day meals for over 30 years, with around 120 meals and 60 takeaway meals served in 2023.

This year, activities will start at 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., with dinner served from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event includes a two-course meal, refreshments, gifts, music, and entertainment for anyone who is homeless or would like to spend Christmas with others.

Address: Methodist Central Hall, Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA.

St Peters Christmas Lunch

St Peter's Church in Hillfields is offering Christmas lunch at 12:30pm on December 25 for anyone who is alone this festive season or is in difficult circumstances. The event is free and attendees are welcome to come earlier for the Christmas service at 11am. To sign up for a slot, click here.

Address: Charles St, Coventry CV1 5NP

Sky Blue Tavern

The official CCFC sports bar and Indian grill Sky Blue Tavern are offering free meals on Christmas Day for the homeless and those in need. The bar says to come between 12pm and 2pm to get a free hot meal to takeaway, with 'every effort' made to feed anyone who turns up. The meal will be curry, rice and roti.

Address: Sky Blue Tavern, Hertford Place, Coventry, CV1 3JZ

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Prakash

The Gurdwara Guru Nanak Prakash on Foleshill Road is Coventry's first and oldest Gurdwara. It serves langar meals not just for Christmas but for those who attend every day. Sikhs believe that their community kitchen must serve all visitors regardless of caste, religion, ethnicity, gender, or economic status.

Langar is made by volunteers at the gurdwara, which is vegetarian and served during opening hours, which is free for all, so if you are struggling to put food on the table this Christmas, you can attend. Heads must be covered with a scarf or bandana upon entry and shoes removed, but you cannot enter if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.