A cafe owner in Hackney has spread the festive cheer by dishing up free Christmas lunches to elderly residents who would otherwise spend the special day alone.

Hackney Gazette: Hackney residents enjoying Christmas dinnersHackney residents enjoying Christmas dinners (Image: Gary Manhine: 07989 418 474 gary@manhinephoto.co.uk)

The Haberdashery in Stoke Newington fed customers from across the borough in an effort to tackle loneliness.

Co-owner of the cafe, Massimo Bergamin, who organised the lunch says he wanted people to remember the real meaning of Christmas - to help each other.

Guests at the lunch got to feast on a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings as well as take part in a selection of games and other entertainment.

The day cost the Haberdashery Cafe owners just £35 thanks to the generosity of people donating food and money for supplies.

Hackney Gazette: Guests enjoying their free Christmas dinner at the Haberdashery CafeGuests enjoying their free Christmas dinner at the Haberdashery Cafe (Image: Gary Manhine: 07989 418 474 gary@manhinephoto.co.uk)

Massimo said: “The whole day was absolutely beautiful, people have been unbelievably generous.

“The turkey was donated by the local butchers, vegetables from my supplier and I had mince pies that could have fed an army.”

It is the second time Massimo has helped organise an event of this scale.

The idea was inspired by an elderly customer who told Massimo he would be spending the day alone.