A popular Ipswich restaurant has announced it will once again be serving a free breakfast to the homeless in the run up to Christmas. 

The Grill At Twenty5 owners launched the initiative just after they opened the restaurant in May 2019.

The free Christmas breakfast for homeless people will take place on December 23 between 7am and 11am in the venue at 25 St Nicholas Street.

Ipswich Star: The Grill At Twenty5The Grill At Twenty5 (Image: Newsquest)

Tina Leamon, the co-owner of the restaurant, said that the event is very important for her family, which would like to invite everybody in need to dine with them.

She added: “Homelessness is a big issue in Ipswich, so as goodwill for our first Christmas, we decided to open our doors to anybody who is in need.

“For the last four years we’ve been offering no name, no shame full cooked breakfast."

Ipswich Star: Tina and her son James, the owners of The Grill At Twenty5Tina and her son James, the owners of The Grill At Twenty5 (Image: Newsquest)

During the pandemic, when breakfast could not be served in the restaurant, the Grill  @Twenty5 team was walking the streets and handing food to homeless people around Ipswich.

Last year the owners also started giving away goodie bags with warmers, gloves and socks.

Mrs Leamon said: “This year we will be also providing goodie bags.

“The response from our customers on the breakfast has been amazing.

"The social media posts have been shared, and we are getting offers of so much local support.

“We have many organisations helping us. There will be a corner where anybody who needs clothing can find something for themselves. Also, clothing and sweets donations are very welcome.

Ipswich Star: James Leamon, the owner and the head chef, along with Scott Cant, the sous chefJames Leamon, the owner and the head chef, along with Scott Cant, the sous chef (Image: Supplied)

“We’d like to spread the word and reach as many homeless people as possible.

“We’ll still do the wandering around Ipswich, as well as have our doors open again for anybody who needs a meal.

“There is a lot happening in the world this year. We’re just coming out of Covid pandemic, people struggle with the cost-of-living crisis and find themselves in a very difficult situation.

“We’d like to help them as much as we can.”

Ipswich Star: Free homeless breakfast at The Grill At Twenty5Free homeless breakfast at The Grill At Twenty5 (Image: Supplied)