As the clock turned midnight in England, hardy aficionados of beer returned immediately to hospitality and welcomed in the first day of easing Covid restrictions.
The Met Office accurately predicted a cold and frosty start for most with icy stretches possible, but even snow and ice could not curtail the enthusiasm of customers to return to hospitality bearing smiles.
Pictures from across the country bear witness to just how much hospitality has been missed, and how people are equally ready to embrace it once again.
As hospitality readies for lunchtime service we spoke with some to gauge how they were reopening, and what it meant to them.
Stuart Procter, Chief Operating Officer, Stafford Collection: “I’m personally delighted to being re-opened and can’t wait to do what we do best. The team have worked hard behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to serve at the highest level. Let’s hope the sun shines on the hospitality sector as we certainly need it.”
Des Gunewardena, CEO and Co-Founder D&D London: “I’m delighted at the response we’ve seen regarding reservations for reopening week and onwards. We’re basically fully booked for the whole week, let’s just hope the weather holds out.
“We’re launching the 14 Hills roof terrace this week coming for the first time which is something I’m particularly excited about. The views across the city are stunning, such a beautiful spot for dinner and drinks with long lost friends. I know the staff are ready and raring to go, fingers crossed all goes to plan.”
Jack Stein, Chef Director, Rick Stein: “We’ve got strong booking numbers for the opening week and building up to indoor dining also coming back, hopefully we see customer loyalty with bookings and no issues with no shows.”
So, we look forward to the days and weeks ahead and all things being equal reporting on a very successful first step in hospitality’s reopening process.
Good Luck to all outdoor hospitality reopening on ‘The Glorious 12th’
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Hospitality & Catering News: Bad weather doesn’t allay appetite for hospitality as industry reopens. – 12 April 2021 – Bad weather doesn’t allay appetite for hospitality as industry reopens.
