Sant Julià de Lòria Inaugurates Revived Social Dining Hall 'La Cullera de la Llar'

Sant Julià de Lòria has officially inaugurated its social dining hall 'La Cullera de la Llar', one month after resuming operations on 2 February with home-cooked meals aimed at retirees and pre-retirees over 60.

The facility, housed in the decade-old Llar de Lòria building, had halted catering services on 1 July 2024 amid low attendance and user dissatisfaction, including demands for better food quality. Following 18 months of adaptation works to meet industry and health standards, and after a lengthy search, the parish hired a qualified cook—Júlia, trained in hotel management and experienced in addressing dietary needs and intolerances—along with an assistant.

Open weekdays to eligible residents from Sant Julià and other parishes, plus Red Cross day centre users, the hall offers a starter, main, bread, dessert, and coffee or infusion for 7.80 euros daily or 35 euros weekly. Regulars have signed up since reopening, praising the homemade dishes, with attendance improving noticeably.

Tuesday's event drew parish officials and ministers Imma Tor and Helena Mas. Diners filled tables steadily, highlighting the inviting aromas and home-style cooking. Local resident Montse López, who experienced the catering era, noted only three people attended then and the food fell short. Now, she called it a strong start: the meals feel like home cooking, with appealing scents making a big difference.

Councillor for Social Affairs and Captain Eva Ramos, who championed the project as part of the parish's electoral programme, stressed its role in tackling isolation. "There are people living alone, and we want them to come here to socialise, make friends, and stay active," she said. "It's a meeting point for villagers." Ramos added that some users have subscribed weekly and expressed high satisfaction.

First-time visitors since the relaunch voiced positivity. One, familiar with the old service, said word of mouth had built expectations and early impressions were favourable. The hall's revival signals stronger community engagement.