PUB food is on the menu for residents at sheltered housing accommodation in Leominster.

Recent changes in the provision of adult social care in the county left Norfolk House without a working kitchen.

However, one of the town’s pubs has stepped up to the plate to offer residents a two-course meal of their own.

Dave Kelly, landlord at the Hop Pole, said: “It’s early days yet, but by working with the staff, tenants and the manager at Norfolk House we are aiming to provide a nutritionally balanced cooked meal for residents, delivered to the house seven days a week.

“It makes good business sense for us to diversify and work in this way.”

The meals are freshly prepared, include a main course and a pudding, and cost residents a trial price of £4.10 per person.

Under the old system, residents’ meals – cooked at Norfolk House – cost £4.40 per person.

The Hereford Times reported earlier this year that the council’s cabinet had approved the decision to make changes to the way adult social care is managed in the county.

Staff helped tenants at Norfolk House to explore different options for purchasing a meal once the inhouse kitchen facility was removed and the majority vote was to use the Hop Pole pub.

Staff helped tenants to explore different options for purchasing a meal and the majority vote was to use the Hop Pole.

Jill Williams, manager of Norfolk House, added that although some tenants are more independent than others, it’s nice for them all to gather together once a day for a meal.

“We like to think of ourselves as one big family here, so meal times are very important to us,” she said.

“So far the majority of our tenants seem to be enjoying the new arrangements and we are continuing to work with the Hop Pole to take on board tenants’ requests and views.”