Meals prepared in the Berkeley Hotel kitchens are being distributed by the council-run Westminster Connects initiative

A FIVE-STAR hotel shut down because of coronavirus is providing 250 meals a day to Westminster residents.

The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge normally caters for some of the most affluent of society but its kitchens are now providing food for those living in sheltered accommodation and to low-income families.

The food deliveries are being organised by the city council through its Westminster Connects volunteer initiative.

Westminster Council leader Rachael Robathan said: “It is amazing to see the staff of a five-star hotel kitchen turn their hand to producing hundreds of meals for residents in our sheltered accommodation.

“And hats off to the Berkeley for launching their free meals drive through for emergency services workers.

“It is this kind of generous and innovative offer which is helping us to pull through the ordeal of coronavirus as a community.”

Many of the deliveries are being carried out by residents who have signed up to volunteer through the scheme.

There are 2,500 people helping to deliver meals across the Westminster, the council said.

The hotel is also providing a drive-through for emergency services workers to pick up free hot drinks and meals between 10am and 4pm.

The food is available from 12pm on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cllr Robathan met hotel and kitchen staff yesterday (Thursday).

The Berkeley’s manager, Knut Wylde, said: “We are honoured to help support our local community at this very difficult time, and we are particularly proud of so many of our team at the Berkeley who have volunteered to step up and help.”