Businesses give support across Kent

Food and drink businesses are rallying round during the coronavirus outbreak to offer deliveries and freebies for those on the frontline. As supplies in supermarkets are depleted, Kent firms are stepping in to help people affected by the virus get essential supplies delivered to their door.

Others are showing their solidarity with NHS staff who are battling to save lives and slow the spread of the outbreak, offering free hot drinks and even pizza to those working in the health service.

GB Pizza Co in Margate is among those firms who offered a show of support to the county’s “amazing” healthcare staff. Owner Lisa Richards said: “We’ve always been huge supporters of the NHS. Our co-founder, Rachel, had a malignant brain tumour when we opened in 2012, and she received the most amazing support and care from the NHS.

“The NHS staff, from cleaning teams up, are working so hard. “They’re on the frontline. “I went to the supermarket last Tuesday, after a week up in the north where we have a franchise restaurant and where we’re hoping to open another restaurant once all this madness dies down.

“The shelves were empty. “And it made me think about nurses and doctors, potentially exposing themselves to this awful disease, and leaving work feeling battered, scared and exhausted, and not being able to even buy themselves supplies. “So, while we’re still open, all NHS staff, with proof of ID, can get a free takeaway Margate-rita pizza or a hot drink on us. Because we think they’re amazing.” Unit 1, bar and food venue in West Hythe, was also supporting NHS and school staff by offering free coffee. While Kiko Sushi & Yakitori, a Japanese restaurant in Tunbridge Wells was offering NHS workers a 20% discount.

Mughal Dynasty, an Indian restaurant and takeaway in Maidstone, was offering NHS workers a half-price discount on takeaway and collection orders. Kenza Bowman, a co-owner of Unit 1 who also works for the health service, said: “I saw offers from bigger companies and I thought that we should do something too.”

For those forced to stay at home and self-isolate, Modern Provider, a ourdough bakery in Margate, is offering to deliver essentials such as bread, eggs and milk - and allow people to pay whatever they can afford.