Ponteland pub donates price of unpaid bill to local foodbank
A North East pub is donating the money returned by a diner who left without paying to those in need.
The Blackbird, at Ponteland, found a customer left the venue last week without settling their £140 bill.
But thanks to the intervention of Northumbria Police the money has now been paid – and the owners have decided to donate it to Newcastle West End Foodbank.
Leading food wholesalers Bidfood and regular customer Jasper Purba, of We Buy Cars For More, have thrown their support behind the pub’s decision by offering to add to the donation, with nearly £500 now going to the charity.
Stuart Young, of the Northumberland Pub Co, which runs the Blackbird, is delighted to have made a positive contribution out of a negative situation.
“Everyone knows how difficult the last year has been for hospitality venues, so it was all the more disheartening to have this happen in our first month of reopening,” he said.
“This has always been about the principle, not the money, and we have been blown away with the support from our customers on social media, which inspired us to take the opportunity to give back to a worthy cause.
“We are very grateful to Jasper and our suppliers, Bidfood, for supporting our donation, which will go towards funding all of the incredible work Newcastle West End Foodbank does to help those in need.”
For more information about the Blackbird, visit https://www.theblackbirdponteland.co.uk/