Owners of a popular, Bradford Syrian cuisine restaurant donated food to staff on COVID wards at the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Kunafa Tea, a restaurant that was set up by three Syrian refugee families in Bradford went to donate authentic Syrian food on New Year’s Eve to staff who were sacrificing time with their loved ones to help save lives.

One of the restaurant owners Abdulrahman Mkia said:“As Syrian refugees and now British citizens living in Bradford, we feel a responsibility towards our local community. That is why we decided to gift meals from our restaurant, Kunafa Tea, to the NHS staff in COVID wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary on New Years Eve.

“These health workers are giving up their time with loved ones to care for COVID patients in need and we wanted to show them our appreciation for their hard work during these difficult times.”

Sajid Azeb, Chief Operating Officer from Bradford Royal Infirmary thanked Lama and Sumaia from Kunafa Tea for delivering the food and said: “Thank you so much Sumaia and Lama for coming to BTHFT today to deliver food for staff on the COVID wards.  We are so grateful for your generosity and wish you all the very best for the New Year.”

Naz Shah MP, whose constituency the restaurant opened in highlighted how important it was for Bradford businesses to support health workers during the pandemic.

She said: “It is always wonderful to see Bradford businesses playing their part as they always do and have done throughout the pandemic, but what’s really beautiful to see here is that the owners of Kunafa tea came to Bradford as Syrian refugees fleeing crisis and wanted to give back.

“It’s also a story of success of families who have made Bradford their home and sharing authentic food and strengthening our brand as a city of culture and food.”