Peterborough chef donates scones to hospitals in memory of friend who died of coronavirus

Homme Nouveau's Chris Newman has donated more than 200 scones to key workers at Papworth Hospital and Peterborough City Hospital in memory of the chef who trained him.

Although the Whittlesey restaurant is currently closed during the pandemic, Chris has been busy making scones to brighten up key worker's everyday lives.

He's also donated boxes of essential items for the elderly.

But when his friend and ex head chef Simon Harding died of the coronavirus, he wanted to do something to help key staff.

"Simon trained me when I was 17," said Chris, now 35.

"I was his apprentice and he taught me all the basics. He came to the opening night of my restaurant."

It took Chris two hours to make the scones, which would normally cost £5-600 in takings.

And complete with jam and clotted cream, the scones were delivered to Papworth Hospital and Peterborough City Hospital today (June 2).

"It's designed as a pick-me-up. They are all working on high-risk wards. I just wanted to give them a pick-me-up with a cup of tea. It's all you can do."