Thoughtful staff at an independent Swansea pub have been praised for offering a free buffet for struggling families who wish to host a funeral reception or wake at the venue. Rob Norris, landlord of The Coopers Arms in Plasmarl, said he wanted to "give something back" to his community and help people facing tough and sad times exacerbated by the cost of living crisis.
Rob, 42, recently approached his kitchen manager, Nicola Lewis, with the idea of offering free buffets for "families in need of help" that are finding it difficult to "pick up the pieces" after a loved one's death. The pair have decided to offer their popular cold buffet, which they serve at birthday parties and other special events, at funeral receptions in the pub completely for free.
"I just wanted to do something to give back to the community and help," Rob said. "Some people pass away and leave nothing unfortunately. It can be a lot of money for a family to pay for a funeral and everything afterwards – a buffet can easily be between £300 and £400. I don't come from much myself so I'm just trying to do what I can for the community to give back and to offer some things for free. It's our cold buffet the same as we do for a birthday party – sandwiches, pasta, pasties etc."
