Over in Wimbledon, a community pub has extended a heartwarming offer to Londoners that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. The Alexandra is throwing open its doors on Christmas once again for a Community Christmas celebration for anyone who would otherwise be alone on the Big Day.
With a free Christmas dinner and vino to boot, alongside the warmth of proprietors Mick and Sarah Dore, Christmas at The Alexandra in Wimbledon is open to anyone.
Owners Mick and Sarah have been managing the pub for 15 years (!) and, 13 years ago, they started pouring free pints to anyone spending Christmas on their own. It was a simple, yet effective, method of bringing the community together. The simple act of kindness ensured that everyone had somewhere to go on Christmas Day.
Cut to a handful of years later, when they got a bigger kitchen, they decided to extend the gesture to a full Christmas meal – absolutely for free. And there’s no catch, or hoops to jump through, just pure love and open-heartedness.
All are welcome at The Alexandra
Dozens of people gather at the Alexandra each year. Among the guests are older people, those who are new to London, or people who have missed their flights/trains to get home for the holidays. This year, they hope to see even larger numbers visiting the pub on December 25. That’s Christmas Day, for those who haven’t been paying attention…
Previous years have seen the local community going all out as they get involved in the event. The day has often found shops and neighbouring residents donating gifts and food. The waiters and waitresses are volunteers, offering up their time to serve up joy and festivity to the punters.
The local community even gets in on the action by offering their time to help wrap presents for the guests. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside when you hear about it. A delightful reminder of the lovely people out there making the world a bit better every day.
If you’d like to help, they have charity boxes on their bar and accept donations via card as well.
You can find The Alexandra at 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7NE. The nearest station is Wimbledon. Read more about the event here.
Thank you, Mick and Sarah. The world needs more people like you.
Also published on Medium.
