Co-owners Lisa Hemingway and Karen Curtin organised the event to give back to the Seymour community who have embraced them since they took over the hotel in Seymour.
Ms Hemingway said everyone was finding Mitchell Shire’s latest lockdown one of the toughest.
“We’ve heard stories of people not able to visit loved ones who are unwell in hospital and relationships on the edge. Everyone is feeling it in every direction this time,” she said.
“We’ve all constantly been positive, but this last lockdown has seen the optimism wearing a little thin.
“We’re fortunate to have had a great summer in Seymour and were able to get ahead a little so that’s why we wanted to give back where we could.
“Everybody in the community has embraced us and we’ve made some great friendships and connections. We just want to thank everyone for welcoming us.”
Ms Hemingway said there was plenty of positive feedback from the event and some excess stock meant the initiative would return on October 9.
“It’s not just for those in need. It’s a positive gesture for anyone that would like a ready-made feed,” she said.
“Come down and say hello, because we would love to give you a meal.
“We want to thank our suppliers, Victory Meats Broadford, Victory Fresh Broadford and PFD Foods Shepparton, who didn’t charge us for the food for this community project.”
Like every hospitality venue, the Prince’s team are eagerly anticipating the easing of restrictions later this month.
Ms Hemingway said the hotel’s back beer garden was being beautified to create a safe and friendly space for the return of diners.
“We usually do up to 300 people on a Saturday night, so having 150 people in the back beer garden twice in a night is our aim,” she said.
“Because the venue is made up of several different rooms, we will be pushing for promoting functions like Christmas parties and luncheons when restrictions allow.
“If all 40 people know each other and they are fully vaccinated, there would be the ability for them to hire a room for a private function.
“Hopefully everyone is ready to celebrate Christmas and the new year.”
For more information about the next free meal event and everything else happening at the Prince of Wales Hotel, visit theprinceseymour.com.au or check out the Facebook page Prince of Wales Hotel.
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