A CATERING company which fell on hard times during the coronavirus pandemic has rallied to launch a new service for food fans.

Splinters Outside Caterers has been forced to adapt after Covid-19 left it in dire straits.

The Bulmer-based company mainly caters for weddings and has struggled after ceremonies across the nation were cancelled following lockdown.

Bosses say more than 100 weddings it was due to cater for have been postponed during the course of the pandemic.

To make up for the lost business, the company has now launched a ‘Dial-Deliver-Dine’ delivery service.

The service sees the firm deliver meals prepared by its chefs to residents’ homes.

The initiative was launched last week with drivers making their first deliveries on Friday.

Owner Sally Kerr is hoping more and more residents in the Halstead area will try out the service.

It comes after the firm admitted the crisis has been worse than originally feared with all but four staff members made redundant.

Sally said: “We have now seen over 100 weddings postpone from this year until next.

“But 2021 is looking like a bumper year for us, assuming that restrictions can be lifted somewhat.

“We remain a viable business, as do many within this sector, but we have had to look at ways to diversify to survive this barren period.

“Our latest venture offers many of our regular dishes, prepared by our chefs and delivered directly to the customers’ door on a Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend.

“Simple to follow instructions are included.”

“Our hope is that with many people preferring the safety of their own home, rather than public places, this will seem like a good alternative for something a little different.”

Sally added: “Social media has been vital in spreading the word about us.

“Small local businesses really are totally reliant on local support to survive the pandemic.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/splinterscaterers.