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The owner of an east Belfast café which faced closure earlier this year has said he is humbled by the kind gesture of mystery diners who left him a special seasonal tip.

Stuart Leitch was stunned when a family who popped into the Lamppost for something to eat presented his staff with a card containing £100. The card explained that the family’s business had been through a tough time as well and that they had been helped out by a similar donation from another local business.

The generous tip comes just a few months after a customer at the CS Lewis-inspired café made a substantial donation to Stuart to help him keep the charming eatery afloat during a difficult financial period.

Now the 31-year-old plans to give something back by opening the Lamppost on December 25 and inviting up to 15 guests who have nowhere else to go on Christmas Day.

Speaking to Belfast Live about the £100 tip, Stuart said: “I was working in the kitchen so I didn’t see the family come in but the girls who work here said they had never seen them before.

“When they were leaving the youngest of the two children handed one of the waiting staff a card. It contained £100 and a note from the parents explaining that they owned a small business too and had fallen on hard times earlier this year.

“A local businessman had given them £100 to help them out at the time and they wanted to return the favour by giving us £100 too. I didn’t even get to thank them but was blown away by how thoughtful a gesture it was.”

The Lamppost was on the verge of closing this summer when a combination of problems, including bonfires and roadworks, resulted in dwindling customer numbers.

Stuart, who opened the café just a year ago, was at a loss as to what to do next when a customer stepped in and saved the day with a generous donation.

“The man told me he usually made donations to churches and charities but he knew we were struggling and wanted to help keep the café open,” Stuart said.

“I couldn’t believe it. It was the answer to my prayers and it helped keep the Lamppost going.

“We’ve faced some tough times this year but it’s amazing how many people have taken us to their hearts and helped out. It’s particularly encouraging in these tough economic times and I’m so grateful.”

To show his appreciation Stuart has decided to sacrifice his own Christmas Day plans to host a special dinner at the café.

“There will be people out there who maybe have no family to go to or are feeling very much on their own at this time,” he said.

“We’ve got a big table with room for about 15 people and so far five spaces have gone. Anyone who feels they have nowhere else to go on Christmas Day is welcome to come for dinner.

“So many people have been helping out in the run up to Christmas. We’ve had people donating crackers and napkins and French Village restaurant are providing desserts.”

And Stuart said that he would be happy to pass on the £100 to another local business, if the opportunity arose.

“Obviously I don’t want to see another small business face hardships but if it does happen, I’ll make sure to keep the goodwill going,” he said.