A popular Indian restaurant in Darlington is set to open its doors on Christmas Day for the eighth year in a row to help homeless and vulnerable people in town. 

Babul’s, on Skinnergate, has confirmed it will be open for meals, hot drinks, and supplies on December 25 once again between 11am and 3pm. 

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite across the country, the restaurant wants to provide a “safe and happy space where people can turn up without being judged”.

Manager Zak Ahmed told The Northern Echo this week: “This is our eighth year doing this and it is one of those things where it started off as - ‘oh, let’s just do it’ - and built up momentum. 

“Each year it has been getting bigger and bigger and we are helping more and more people. It has become a thing where we feel like it is our duty, especially with what is going on with the financial situation across the country. 

“The Darlington homelessness issue is way out of control and a lot of people out there - not just the homeless but people who are alone - are struggling to put food on the table.”

Zak said there will be roughly 20 to 30 staff working across Christmas Day - although there will be even more working on preparations ahead of the big day.

He continued: “The beauty of this is that it brings everyone together and so they know there are other people there that need support too.

“It’s beautiful. A lot of people come with bags full of toiletries and it is a great feeling - people feel like they have done their part.”

Babul’s is now looking for donations, with wanted food items including crisps, snacks, tinned food, tea and coffee, pasta, biscuits, chocolate, squash, and tins of fruit. 

They are also looking for toiletries, including roll-on deodorant, bars of soap, flannels, shower gel, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. 

Clothing is also welcome, including underwear, socks, hats, scarves, gloves, coats, jackets, and jogging bottoms (both thick and fleece). 

If you have the time to volunteer, you can sign up via Babul’s Facebook. 

The venue said: “We will be opening our doors this Christmas Day between 11am-3pm to provide meals, hot drinks and supplies to the homeless, vulnerable and anyone else in need.

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“With the cost of living crisis ongoing, this Christmas many people will still be homeless and others will be struggling to put food on the table.

“We are going to provide a safe and happy space where people can turn up without being judged, everyone who turns up will be able to enjoy a hot Christmas lunch with festive cheer.

“We need your help, and if you have the time to volunteer, please sign up using the link below.”