Northamptonshire Pub Warms Hearts and Hands This Winter

In the heart of Northamptonshire, a beacon of warmth and community spirit is shining brightly this winter. The Longboat, a beloved local pub in Duston, is extending a helping hand to its community by offering free hot drinks and a cosy place to stay warm.

Frazer Francis, the landlord of The Longboat, along with his wife Hayley, have opened their doors to locals who are feeling the pinch of rising living costs. Between 12:00 and 14:00 GMT, seven days a week, anyone can pop in for a complimentary cup of tea or coffee.

The decision was sparked by an overheard conversation where a patron mentioned that coming for a pint at the pub was cheaper than heating their home. Touched by this, the Francis couple decided to help those in similar situations.

This initiative comes at a time when the government has announced that not all pensioners will receive the winter fuel allowance. The Longboat’s gesture is a heartening response to this, offering warmth and comfort to those most affected.

But the pub’s generosity doesn’t stop at pensioners. The Longboat is welcoming people of all ages, providing a warm place to sit and socialise, without the worry of cost for a couple of hours.

News of this initiative spread through Facebook, garnering overwhelming support from the local community. The response was so positive that it even led to donations from locals, including a local chef offering to make soup.

In a world often focused on profit, The Longboat’s actions are a refreshing reminder that community and kindness still hold value. As Mr Francis said, “It’s shown us that there’s lots of good people still out there, and it’s not all about money, money, money.”

So, if you’re in Duston and need a warm place to rest, remember The Longboat is there with a hot drink and a welcoming smile.