A HORWICH pub is 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

The time spent with families could be in person or virtually.

The Blundell Arms on Chorley Old Road, which is part of the Chef & Brewer collection, has announced the idea after discovering that 74 per cent of Brits have put spending quality time with family at the top of this year’s Christmas list.

The research shows it is placed much higher than material items such as clothes (25 per cent), games (20 per cent) and perfume (18 per cent).

The pub’s 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 Blundell Arms on Chorley Old Road is encouraging its punters to reconnect with loved ones and inspire them to do acts of kindness in the community by giving away thousands of pounds worth of free meals and drinks, to be enjoyed when restrictions ease.

Whether it is 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.

General manager og the Blundell Arms, Matthew Adderley, 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 Horwich 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!”

Chef & Brewer will also be adding an extra £10 value to any £40 gift voucher bought between November 23 and 30 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, December 6 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/.