Morpeth catering company Pimp My Pig, led by owners Emma and Steve Riley, is proudly marking 10 years of supporting The People’s Kitchen at its annual Christmas Party — a cherished event that provides hot meals and festive joy to hundreds of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
The People’s Kitchen supports vulnerable people in the North East of England. Opening in 1985, it provides hot meals, clothing packages, toiletries, food, mobile phones and sleeping bags to those who might be sleeping rough or recently placed in housing with no belongings. Run entirely by volunteers, The People’s Kitchen serves around 300 hot meals a day, 365 days a year.
Each year, Emma and her team volunteer their time, talent, and equipment to serve an exceptional Christmas meal, with this year’s feast feeding around 300 friends. Central to the menu is Pimp My Pig’s signature hog roast — a huge pig slow-cooked for around 16 hours and served with gravy, apple sauce, stuffing, and an array of comforting condiments.
Despite the unpredictable winter weather — often pouring rain and strong winds — the team never hesitates.
“We just leave it to me and the team,” said Emma.
“No matter what the weather’s doing, we get such a kick out of seeing everyone’s faces when they receive a hot meal. It’s the best feeling. We just enjoy it — it’s nice to be able to give something back.”
Emma’s relationship with The People’s Kitchen began ten years ago, when the Christmas Party was still held under the arches in Trafalgar Street.
“I can’t believe it’s been ten years — it’s gone so fast,” Emma said.
“This is a wonderful party, Santa came along handing out presents, there was a live band, great music, and such a brilliant atmosphere. It’s just a wonderful thing to be part of.”
Trustee Maggie Pavlou said:
” The People’s Kitchen Christmas Party remains one of the charity’s most important events of the year — offering food, companionship, gifts, and a sense of dignity to those who need it most. Emma’s continued support has become a much-appreciated fixture of the celebration as have the other catering providers Meat Stack and Fire and Dough and everyone else who gave up their time for free to make the event such a success for our friends.”
To help feed the charity’s “friends”, for just £5, donors can provide a hot festive meal, companionship, and essential support for someone who would otherwise go without this Christmas. The campaign is about more than just food. It’s about friendship. Because the charity is run entirely by volunteers, every penny raised goes directly to supporting people in need. Any funds not used during the festive season will help provide meals throughout the year ahead.
For more information, visit https://peopleskitchen.co.uk/
JUST GIVING https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peopleskitchen2025
TEXT Text KITCHEN to 70490
