A Cardiff chip shop owner who helped people who needed a hot meal at Christmas is going one step further this year. The Victoria Fish Bar in Whitchurch has been distributing food, clothing and toiletries to people in need for the past five years.

In 2019, when owner Muhammad Nazakat started the scheme, the restaurant fed around 400 people for free. It grows every year and last year around 800 people received a free meal from Chippy.

As the number of vacancies open at Christmas has increased, the chip shop owner will open on Boxing Day. The team will also give away £10 to 100 people in the first year.

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Muhammad said there are no rules about who gets the money, but employees have £1,000 to donate. The restaurant received a positive response from the Cardiff community, with people expressing their gratitude and volunteering to help that day.

Muhammad believes we all have a duty to help those less fortunate and “look out for each other.”

In a Facebook post, he wrote: “This year has been particularly difficult due to the cost of living crisis with persistently high inflation. That’s why we thought it would be a good idea to spread a more positive message of generosity and kindness to help overcome the pessimism of this season. Additionally, we would like to thank the community who helped and supported us this year.”

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