Old Vol pub in Caythorpe, Nottingham, carves Halloween pumpkins into community meals for nearby care homes

A gastropub delivered more than 100 portions of fresh pumpkin spiced soup to care home residents thanks to a Halloween prank.

A person, believed to be an ex-employee, sent 13 pumpkins to The Old Vol, in Caythorpe.

With Halloween just around the corner, the pumpkins would be the perfect pub decoration, but instead its chef decided to cook them and give back to the community.

The team delivered 140 portions of soup, accompanied by homemade focaccia, to elderly residents in four care homes in the area.

Jack Pearce, head chef, said: “Admittedly, receiving a load of unannounced pumpkins was a career first, but we’re always looking for new ways to engage with the local community and give back where we can at The Old Vol.

“It makes me really proud to lead a team that doesn’t just use their talents to do their day jobs, but comes up with creative ideas to make a difference away from the pub too.”

The care homes who received the meals were The Byars, Hazelford Residential Home, Rivendell View Care Home and Westwold Care Home.

The care homes sent thank you letters to the pub.