Yesterday we wrote about the early emergence of heroes and villains in hospitality, while some heroes are looking after the interests of their colleagues and peers, Britannia Hotels made employees immediately homeless. We are delighted this morning to highlight a new hero emerging, Macdonald Hotels. In direct response to the situation of Britannia Hotels making some of their … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2020
Restaurants and pubs forced to close alongside measures to aid hospitality workers in crisis
Prime Minister Boris Johnson this afternoon flanked by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries told all restaurants, pubs and cafes to close their doors to the public by end of business tonight. Nationwide closure from tonight All venues where social gathering takes place including leisure centres, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas … [Read more...]
Hospitality heroes and villains emerge in COVID-19 pandemic
In times of difficulty many people struggle, some emerge as heroes, helping others as best they can, and others show their true colours. The current COVID-19 pandemic is no different. HEROES We would like to start by applauding some of the heroes already identified doing what they can to aid others. Hospitality Action, Only a Pavement Away, Chelsea FC, GG Hospitality, … [Read more...]
TGI Friday’s close all UK restaurants 9pm today
We have just received the following news from TGi Friday's UK CEO Robert B Cook. As with all other recent closures from COVID-19, we would like to wish all at TGI Friday's our very best wishes. Dear Fridays Guests, As the safety and welfare of our guests and teams is our number one priority and following the recent UK government advice to practice social distancing, we … [Read more...]
Football Hoteliers aid front line NHS staff through COVID-19 pandemic
We have already reported on hotels looking at making beds available to the NHS for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Best Western Great Britain, the largest independent hotel group in Britain, has already said it can offer its numerous sites across the UK as temporary hospitals. There are many other hotels and hotel groups looking to provide similar services and … [Read more...]
Prezzo restaurants close today during COVID-19 crisis
We have just received the following message from Karen Jones, Executive Chairman, Prezzo. “Today we will temporarily close our Prezzo restaurants during this COVID-19 crisis. We need to do this in order to protect the health of our teams, our customers and our local communities. “After the Government stated last Monday that people should avoid restaurants, it was always … [Read more...]
Hospitality and catering industry rises to COVID-19 challenge
The impact from the COVID-19 pandemic is to use a now somewhat all too often, but appropriate phrase, unprecedented. The position we all face is largely unknown and as such brings concerns that have not previously surfaced for many. So, we are delighted to report that our news desk is inundated with news showing that many across hospitality and catering are not only … [Read more...]
Hospitality Action launches support appeal to combat impact from COVID-19
Hospitality Action, are campaigning for funds to enable support to those working across the industry most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and facing hardship. The government’s recent announcement advising the public to stop visiting hospitality outlets has triggered an unprecedented crisis leading to widespread job loss, reduction in pay and temporary closures due to the … [Read more...]
Rational provide reassurance for customers amid government’s COVID-19 advice
Rational UK the leading provider in hot food preparation equipment reassures their customers in response to the Covid-19 Government advice. During these adverse times, the wellbeing of Rational UK’s stakeholders is top priority and the company have taken steps to minimise any risk of exposing stakeholders to the virus, whilst at the same time assuring continuity of … [Read more...]
Commercial Kitchen 2020 to now sit alongside Casual Dining
Commercial Kitchen 2020, the UK’s only dedicated kitchen equipment, services and design show, has confirmed new dates of the 14 and 15 July due to the rapidly escalating coronavirus outbreak. Commercial Kitchen was set to take place at ExCeL London in early June. However, due to the magnitude of the unanticipated public health and safety issues posed by Covid-19, organiser … [Read more...]
Only A Pavement Away steps in to bridge COVID-19 sick pay gap for members
Hospitality industry charity Only A Pavement Away, which supports the homeless, ex- offenders, and vulnerable veterans with jobs in hospitality, has committed funding to ensure its members don’t fall back into destitution, in light of growing concerns over COVID-19. The charity is diverting existing cash and also seeking fresh funding from supporters to help any member … [Read more...]
Meiko launch capitalises on industry legends
“Meiko’s launch of the new UPster series signals that this leading European manufacturer is targeting the ‘value’ end of the market,” says Meiko UK MD Paul Anderson. Anderson went on to tell us: “Many UK catering equipment distributors, pub operators and caterers have worked with Meiko over almost three decades. Undercounter machines such as the FV40.2 and hood machines … [Read more...]
Inspired by a memory – Facebook Coffee morning opens to combat hospitality isolation, loneliness and anxiety
The current situation around the COVID-19 pandemic means that countless people still working in hospitality and those that are not, face isolation at home. Having to face this situation is alien for many and can cause loneliness and anxiety. Inspired by a memory we have decided to set up a coffee morning on Facebook to bring people together to share what they are … [Read more...]
Government has 24 hours to save 1 million jobs, says UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls
UKHospitality has prevailed upon the Government to announce an employment support plan to help protect livelihoods and the 1 million-plus jobs now at risk in UK pubs, restaurants, bars, hotels and leisure attractions facing the COVID-19 pandemic, without delay. The group is urgently calling for an immediate package of employment support for businesses within the next 24 … [Read more...]
Irreversible pub closures beckon warns British Beer & Pub Association
Prime Minister Johnson’s message on Monday advising people to avoid pubs through social distancing has sparked much confusion through lack of clarity of his message. Interpreted by many as notice of the advice becoming law soon. Followed yesterday by Rishi Sunak’s announcement of measures the Government is taking to support businesses through COVID-19, has left many grateful … [Read more...]