TWO Basingstoke pubs will offer a free meal on Christmas Day to help combat loneliness this festive season.

Brewery chain Hall and Woodhouse is offering a complimentary three-course meal to people in Basingstoke who may find themselves alone on December 25.

The Holly Blue pub in Beggarwood, and the Portsmouth Arms in Hatch Warren will have a table reserved for six people on Christmas Day, offering them the seasonal lunch and a drink.

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Basingstoke Gazette: The Holly Blue and the Portsmouth Arms

Matt Woodhouse, regional manager for managed houses at Hall and Woodhouse, said: “The community sits at the heart of our purpose at Hall and Woodhouse and making everyone feel at home in our pubs is something we strive to achieve every day.

“We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some, and the day can be shadowed by grief and loneliness. With that in mind, it’s important to us that we offer a warm and welcoming space to be on Christmas Day for those who find themselves alone this season.

“Collectively across the estate, we anticipate that the value of this investment into the communities we operate in will be over £25,000, as we hope to support hundreds of people in need.”

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Places for Hall and Woodhouse’s ‘Community Christmas Table’ initiative are secured on a first-come, first-serve basis, with waiting lists available in case of cancellation.

Guests can request a seat for themselves or be nominated by another party.

To request a seat contact one of the participating pubs on social media.