Café 1901 and butcher shop Ibbitson’s have begun offering free delivery services to customers in Jesmond during the current period of lockdown.

Café 1901 is offering a next-day delivery service on groceries, including fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, dairy, eggs and milk. It is also offering a meal delivery service: the two-course option includes homemade soup and bread starter plus main course for £7. 

The main areas of delivery are Jesmond and Gosforth, but Café 1901 said it is willing to deliver to other postcodes, such as those in Forest Hall. Café staff are wearing new gloves for each order, and using hand sanitizer after each delivery.

Sunderland-based butcher Ibbitson’s is also offering Jesmond residents a free delivery service for orders over £25. “While my business is based in Sunderland, I live in Jesmond and so I’ve seen that many people in Jesmond are struggling to source fresh produce without standing in long queues,” said owner Joanne Ibbitson.

“So I thought I should extend the free delivery service from within a five-mile radius of Sunderland town centre to also include the Jesmond area.

“Many non-essential shops have already closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak, resulting in a loss of footfall in town centres. We’re keen to remain open for as long as possible and keep our staff employed.” Ibbitson’s has won Great Taste awards for its sausages and bacon, produced from high-welfare, Scottish outdoor-reared pork.

Café 1901 told JesmondLocal that while it will attempt to make use of the loans and grants offered by the government to support businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak, it could not be sure of its entitlement until all relevant guidelines and criteria had been provided.

“It is a difficult time for any business and we are trying to make the best of the situation for the business, our team and for our community. We fully appreciate all the support of our local customers and help from our amazing staff at this time,” said Hollie Slack, manager at Café 1901.

“We are partnering with the Methodist churches at Gosforth and Jesmond to supply meals and essential supplies for vulnerable members of their communities. We will continue to provide these services for as long as practicable and in accordance with any government directives.

“We have also spoken to Newcastle City Council officers to ensure we are adhering to their guidance.”

Café 1901 said it will continue its Deliveroo offering alongside a reduced takeaway menu including its afternoon tea packages, which it said has proved popular among customers as a gift for loved ones they cannot meet during the lockdown.

Anna Hedworth, local restaurateur and a co-founder of the Jesmond Food Market, has had to temporarily close her restaurant The Cook House in Ouseburn, but emailed customers with details of her suppliers who are still providing food deliveries.

You can order online or by calling 0191 340 9774 for Cafe 1901. Orders for Ibbitson’s can be made by email.