Brighton restaurant to reward emergency workers with free meal

Monarch Restaurant and Bar in King's Road, Brighton, is providing around 150 “blue light” emergency service workers with a roast dinner and dessert to thank them for their selfless work over the last year.

Ellis Cheeseman, director of the restaurant, said: “I’ve seen what a lot of people haven’t seen while working at a bar that is open 24 hours a day.

“The emergency services are always so quick to respond to incidents and the whole team at Monarch, and all the businesses along King's Road where we need them the most, are all very grateful for their service.

“Seeing how hard they have to investigate and work as a unit, from the NHS, the police, the RNLI and the coastguard, is very impressive.

“The meal is all about giving back for all the hard work they do.”

Staff at Monarch are thanking emergency service workers with a free festive meal

Mr Cheeseman said he had a more personal experience of the health service over the festive season. His grandmother died on Boxing Day after suffering from a blood clot that travelled to her heart and lungs.

“We saw what the nurses and doctors were doing for her and how much they were trying, but the hospitals are just so overcrowded and there is not enough staff there," he said.

“Just seeing how overcrowded the hospital was is another reason why we have organised this.

“We have massive respect for those who work on the frontline and we want them to enjoy an afternoon on us.”

Ambulance staff, along with police, firefighters and the coastguard, have been invited to the free meal

Emergency service workers from the police, ambulance service, fire brigade, coastguard and nursing staff in A&E are invited to one of three sittings at the restaurant between 1pm and 6pm on January 5, with a turkey dinner or vegetarian option and a dessert provided free.

Booking to attend is required and is on a first come, first served basis per sitting.

Friends and family of workers can also attend at a cost of £5 per person.