Joseph Holt, a 177-year-old family-run pub chain based in Manchester, has announced it will reduce the price of children's meals to just £1 from 25 June to 1 September, aiming to support families struggling without free school meals during the summer holidays. The company, which operates 127 pubs across North West England, has also launched a campaign to raise £20,000 for the children's charity Meals & More, which provides nutritious meals and activities for children affected by 'holiday hunger'.
£1 Meal Deal and VAT Savings
The £1 meal scheme coincides with the Government's temporary 5% VAT rate on children's meals in pubs and restaurants, effective from 25 June to 1 September. Jane Kershaw, director and sixth-generation member of the Joseph Holt family, explained that the company is passing on the VAT savings to families. 'In launching this £1 meal deal for kids, we are passing on the savings and more that we are making with the cut in VAT because we want families to benefit,' she said.
The basic £1 meal can be upgraded for an additional £1.95 to include a drink and an ice lolly, bringing the total to £2.95, compared to the usual £5.45 price of a children's meal. This offer is available across all Joseph Holt pubs during the summer break.
Community Commitment and Charity Campaign
Kershaw emphasised the company's long-standing family ethos. 'Community is at the heart of everything we do. We are a family business, which is why our pubs are more than just places to eat or drink. They are part of the fabric of the local areas where they are located,' she said. The brewery was founded by weaver's son Joseph Holt in 1849 and has remained in the same family for six generations.
The charity campaign aims to raise £20,000 for Meals & More through activities such as raffle tickets and bingo games across the pub network. Kershaw added, 'The idea of children being hungry over the holidays is desperately sad, which is why all our pubs are mobilising to raise money for Meals & More, who do such sterling work for children's physical and social wellbeing.'
Impact on Holiday Hunger
Kerri Frost, corporate partnerships manager at Meals & More, highlighted the scale of the issue: 'With more than 2.2 million children across the UK experiencing food insecurity, the partnership has never been more important.' She said the charity is 'absolutely thrilled' to be chosen as Joseph Holt's charity partner for the summer campaign. 'Their long-standing commitment to supporting local communities aligns perfectly with our mission of feeding young futures by ensuring children have access to food, safe spaces, and enriching activities throughout the school holidays,' Frost added.
Every pound raised across Joseph Holt's pubs will help create brighter holidays for children and families across Greater Manchester and the wider North West. The offer runs from 25 June to 1 September, providing a lifeline for families during the costly summer period.
