The Brentford pub offering food and warmth to homeless people

The Six Bells has been run by its current owners for 18 months

A pub in west London is offering hot drinks, food and clothing to homeless people.

The Six Bells in Brentford serves soup, hot tea and gives away warm clothes to "genuine people in need".

Owner Jacquie Nesbitt, who is also the chef, said: "We're a drop in the ocean but if we can send one person away warm and full, then we've done something."

David Walsh, who has been sofa surfing for the past four years, said: "It gives you a little buzz."

One in 50 Londoners are believed to have been placed in emergency accommodation by their local authority after being made homeless.

News of the sign has spread by word of mouth

Karen Morris, who co-owns the pub with Jacquie, said: "It's just really to help local people that don't have anywhere warm to be that are hungry and needy. We just wanted to do something to help."

Ms Nesbitt, originally from Cavan in Ireland, put the sign (pictured above) up two weeks ago and expects demand to grow during the current cold snap.

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The 62-year-old said: "There are food banks, places you can go, but for people on the streets there isn't anywhere in their area for them to come and get warm.

"Homeless people, you know that they're hardy so to them it wouldn't be that cold yet, but I think over the next few weeks, we'll have a lot more people visiting.

"I just hope I can make enough soup quick enough."

Jacquie moved to London 47 years ago

Mr Marsh, who has depression, has been staying on friends' sofas after being made homeless in 2019.

He said: "I've made mistakes in the past. I've been coming and going quite regularly with the help of Jacquie, Karen and all of the staff.

"These guys and everyone coming in really do make a difference, and help me out mentally. She doesn't ask for a penny. I appreciate people like that."

David Walsh is grateful for the pub's support

The 56-year-old added: "Trust me, she's [Jacquie] really helped. Her, the staff and all the people coming in to drink, they know my situation and they're rooting for me.

"You feel there are people around you that do care, no matter what time of year it is, whether it's Christmas or not.

"I just want to thank them very much."

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