Couple to open shop on Christmas Day so lonely people can get 'a hug and a mince pie'

'It doesn’t matter what religion or race you are, we just want to share love'

Shasi and Pallu Patel, who own Meet and Deep Newsagents in Twickenham (Facebook)

A couple who run a newsagent say they will open on Christmas Day so lonely people can come in “for a hug and a mince pie”.

Shasi and Pallu Patel, who own Meet and Deep Newsagents in Twickenham, London, will dress up in festive outfits, play carols and hand out free mince pies and sweets to anyone who drops in between midday and 2pm.

They shared a post on Facebook that read: “If you are alone, pop in for a hug and a mince pie! You don’t have to buy anything, we are family.”

The message has been shared more than 40,000 times, with many people praising the “wonderful idea”.

This is not the first time the Patels have opened their store on the festive holiday. Their son, Deepen, told The Independent they had been doing it for eight years.

He said they had the idea after an elderly lady called Dot, who passed away last year, came into their shop just before Christmas, telling them a man posing as a gas fitter had stolen from her.

Deepen’s older brother, Neeten, posted a warning on Facebook urging the local community to be extra cautious.

To their surprise, people started arriving with gifts for Dot. “It was the best Christmas she ever had,” Deepen said.

Every year since, they have opened their doors so people like Dot can experience some festive cheer.

As well as providing cakes and sweets, this year the family have hired a DJ to play Christmas songs and even borrowed a strobe light for the day.

Deepen, who also works at the newsagent, has received requests for nut-free and vegan mince pies, which he plans to provide.

“There’s a man who doesn’t earn a lot. He doesn’t like mince pies, but his dog does so we’re saving a couple for him,” he said.

Next year the family want to make the event even bigger, and hope to hire out a local venue with more space to put on a Christmas lunch.

Despite 25 December being the only day of the year his parents get off, Deepen said they had no regrets.

“We’re Hindus, but it’s not about if you’re a Hindu or Christian, it’s about sharing love. It doesn’t matter what religion or race you are, we just want to share love,” he said.