A popular Bickerstaffe pub's offering thousands of pounds worth of free meals and drinks for locals who promise to spend as much quality time with their loved ones as possible this Christmas - either in person or virtually.

The Stanley Gate has announced the initiative after discovering that 74 per cent of Brits. have put spending quality time with family at the top of this year’s Christmas list, far above material items such as clothes (25 per cent), games (20 per cent) and perfume (18 per cent).

Its research revealed that after a turbulent year, this Christmas 30 per cent of people want to be able to make new memories with loved ones, while a further 31 per cent are longing for a trip to the pub or a meal out.

Unsurprisingly, an overwhelming 88 percent said that spending time with family will be more important to them this year than in previous years, and a further 67 per cent will be making more of an effort than usual to ensure that this Christmas is extra-special.

Following the findings, the Ormskirk Road pub's encouraging its locals to reconnect with loved ones and inspire them to do acts of kindness in the local community by giving away thousands of pounds worth of free meals and drinks, to be enjoyed when restrictions ease.

Whether it’s planning a special meal out together when pubs reopen, or setting a date for a catch up over a drink, all they have to do to be in with a chance of winning one of 50 £50 gift cards is promise to make the most of this Christmas by creating special moments and long-lasting memories with loved ones, whether it’s a quick call to a friend you’ve not seen in a while, checking on a neighbour who lives alone, or simply doing a good deed for your local community.

Ryan Scrimgeour, general manager, said: “We know planning the perfect celebration has never been more important, not least because we haven’t been able to spend as much time with our family and friends as we’d like to this year.

“While Christmas 2020 is likely to be a bit different to other years, it’s a time to remember what’s really important to us. That’s why we’re encouraging people in Bickerstaffe to reconnect with loved ones and to look out for one another this Christmas, while enjoying a relaxing, cosy meal or a few quiet drinks in the pub, free of charge when the time is right. It’s just one of our promises to you to help you lose yourself in the moment this Christmas.

“We look forward to welcoming friends and families alike back into the pub to enjoy each other’s company and make new memories together – after this year, they more than deserve it!”

The perfect place to reconnect with loved ones, Chef & Brewer will also be adding an extra £10 value to any £40 gift voucher bought between 23rd – 30th November as part of its Black Friday deal.

To be in with a chance of winning one of 50 £50 gift cards, locals simply need to make a festive promise at https://www.chefandbrewer.com/reclaiming-christmas/ by Sunday 6th December or purchase a minimum £40 gift card in the Black Friday promotion. Full terms and conditions can be found at https://www.chefandbrewer.com/reclaiming-christmas/.