Landlady at the Royal Oak on Frome’s Broadway has raised over £1,000 for charity during January by hosting a ‘pay what you want’ evening meal and giving up alcohol for the month.
Lisa Curnow was cooking two nights a week and asking customers to make a donation to the charity collection rather than paying the pub for the dinner.
Lisa said, “I decided to put on a big menu with lots of lovely pub grub like gourmet pie and chips, luxury shepherd’s pie and indulgent lasagne.
“Instead of charging for the meals I handed out envelopes to the customers and they paid whatever they thought the meal was worth. I just couldn’t believe how kind everyone was and I left a collection bucket on the counter for the ‘dryathlon’ and I raised £1,130 in total.
“I want to say thank you so much to everyone who came to support our charity month; even the Mayor of Frome came with his family and they all had dinner!”
Lisa and her family have recently been affected by cancer and she added, “I did this because I wanted to show my support and thanks to all the nurses and hospital staff who are doing a great job, and for that we are really grateful.”
Renowned for its cosy atmosphere, Sunday lunches and open fires, the Royal Oak has long been a favourite with many people in Frome and now hosts a popular quiz night on a Sunday.
Mayor of Frome, councillor Toby Eliot said, “I think what Lisa has done is tremendous. It is very difficult coping with cancer in any family and Lisa has shown how flair, imagination and hard work has helped her through this difficult time and raised over a thousand pounds for these great causes. What’s more, loads of us benefited from great food!”
