Kettering restaurant treats kind supermarket neighbours with thank you takeaway

The restaurant neighbours of a Kettering supermarket have popped round with a menu full of tasty treats to say thank you to them for their hard work during the pandemic.

Bignal Court businesses Tong Thai and The Co-operative Food store, off Lake Avenue, have been working alongside each other during lockdown.

They have seen for themselves the support that the supermarket workers have given to the community, especially to older customers.

Mary Coleman on behalf of the Tong Thai Court said: "The store is an integral part of the community for the residents on the Leisure Village and beyond.

"The Tong Thai restaurant wanted to thank the staff of the Co-operative for their hard work and friendliness to its customers in these unprecedented time.

"Many of the customers know the staff by their names and some of the older customers enjoy a little chat with whoever is on duty and it quite often makes their day.

"Since last March, when the first lockdown happened, it was probably the only outside contact they had.

"Having witnessed the staff taking time to make a difference to their customers gave us the reason to reward the staff for their sterling efforts."

Tong Thai arranged for a free takeaway meal for the workers of the Co-operative to experience the delights of a starter of spring rolls with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, and a choice of main course dishes of chicken and cashew nut, beef with garlic and peppers and noodles stir fried with vegetables and a side portion of steamed rice.

Ms Coleman added: "The shop is right at the heart of the leisure village and beyond, It is staffed by a group of friendly people - it’s like the old fashioned corner shop of years gone by."

The Tong Thai restaurant has also been providing food on a regular basis to a local care home.