Queen recognises Lewisham restaurant Panas Gurkha for donations to NHS and key workers

By Melissa Kasule

A restaurant has been recognised by the Queen for its thousands of donations to the NHS and key workers during the pandemic.

Nepalese Lewisham restaurant Panas Gurkha, owned by Sujan Katuwal, has delivered more than 5,000 meals to NHS staff working at Lewisham Hospital and local hospices.

Panas Gurkha has remained open in lockdown for takeaway, but has made it a priority to support local charities – Skills and Care, Woolwich Service User Project, Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice and HomeInstead.

The Lee High Road restaurant was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, with donations of 8,000 sanitizers wipes, hot meals for the voluntary workers of Woolwich Common Community Centre, the use of company cars for hospital workers and two industrial food fridges donated to the hospital.

Sujan said: “My greatest inspiration has been my mum who has always taught me to be kind, honest and to give back to the community.

“Seeing this pandemic period, she was the one who suggested and motivated me to engage in the voluntary work. Being at a distant, she constantly supported me and always admired the work done by the NHS heroes.

“But when I saw a Facebook message from Help Lewisham Hospital community centre, I felt we could contribute to the local community.”

The Nepalese restaurant has planned to cook and feed on a weekly basis to local care homes, community centre and veteran ex-Gurkha soldiers.

Panas Gurkha continues to work closely with Skills and Care, Greenwich and Help Lewisham Hospital to contribute and serve the community.