BUSINESSES that kept their doors open for a series of “safe shopping evenings” in Barnard Castle received a surprise Italian treat for their efforts.
Several shops remained opened until 8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure dale residents had plenty of time and space to pick up Christmas gifts for loved ones ahead of the lockdown.
And those that did received their own present in the
form of a warm meal from Homelands Guest House owners Daniele and Glenda Alari.
Mrs Alari said: “It was meant to be a little homemade treat to cheer people up and to show we appreciate what everyone is doing.
“We wanted to show our appreciation and empathy for them.”
The couple opened their guest house at 85 Galgate four years ago after moving to the country from Italy.
The meal which included a roast pumpkin, leek and potato soup, a savoury muffin with cheese and olive, or sun-dried tomato and a slice of Italian cake made with cocoa butter and crushed biscuit, was prepared by Mr Alari, a former accountant turned chef.
Mrs Alari said they decided to make the gesture after seeing a list of how many businesses had signed up to the scheme while visiting Vintage Essence florists across the road.
