Small businesses ‘more prepared’ for second lockdown, research shows November 17, 2020 Two-thirds of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in England felt more prepared for the current national lockdown compared to when restrictions were first introduced in March. Businesses said they were more prepared for the new coronavirus rules, under which hospitality venues and non-essential stores have been ordered to close. The latest research showed that [...]
Why virtual clubbing could lift your lockdown blues November 14, 2020 Ibiza may be the world’s best-known clubbing destination, but for real connoisseurs of nasty techno, Berlin is where it’s at. Most famous among its venues is the legendary Berghain, a vast concrete cathedral to dance music where club nights turn into club days and back into club nights, and the world’s top DJs provide the [...]
Home meal kits can help save hospitality now – and will be here long after Covid November 12, 2020 The hospitality industry has always had to adapt and move with the times. We’ve seen cycles of gastropubs, fine dining restaurants with white table clothes, American diners, with each generation of new chefs tweaking and perfecting the formula. But while these are trends driven by changing fashions, Covid means the industry must innovate to survive. [...]
How to eat well during a pandemic, from pre-mixed cocktails to Michelin home delivery November 11, 2020 Another endless week approaches its inglorious mid-season finale. But what do we have to look forward to in the barren cultural landscape of November 2020? Well, restaurants may be closed but many canny entrepreneurs have turned their empty kitchens into home delivery hubs, allowing you to feast like it’s 1999, or indeed 2019. Each week [...]
‘A horror story’: Brexit and Covid halt international trade for UK SMEs November 11, 2020 Already suffering from the impact of a domestic lockdown, the UK’s SMEs have also been forced to halt international trade this year. The dual hit of Brexit and Covid uncertainty has seen 1.5m small businesses pause international imports and exports in 2020, according to research by fintech Currensea. For many SMEs international trade is the [...]
Confusion reigns ahead of introduction of Bounce Back Loan top-ups November 9, 2020 Businesses that took out Bounce Back Loans (BBLs) from non-bank lenders may struggle to access further funds as alternative lenders scramble to secure financing. The Treasury was forced to introduce top-ups and extend the application deadline for the 100 per cent state-backed loans to January after England was placed into another lockdown last week. From [...]
Why Congham Hall in Norfolk should be your next staycation November 9, 2020 We all need something to look forward to right now, and with foreign travel likely to be a risky business for the foreseeable future, staycations should be at the forefront of your plans. Here’s a perfect country retreat just a couple of hours from London. The weekend If you’re looking for a getaway just outside [...]
The best home delivery kits, from prepare-at-home gourmet meals to chocolates and whisky tasting November 6, 2020 The prospect of another month without restaurants is frankly too much to bear, especially with the nights drawing in and the temperature dropping. The hospitality sector was already on its knees and now it needs our help more than ever. Thankfully you can kill two birds with one stone – supporting your favourite chefs and [...]
London tops list of The World’s 50 Best Bars… But who won? November 6, 2020 Today of all days, as the UK enters its second lockdown, seems like a strange time to celebrate the world’s finest bars. But Londoners were today given a reminder of exactly what we’re missing, with the capital being crowned the undisputed champion of the drinking world in the new list of the 50 best bars [...]
Government extends coronavirus business loans ahead of Thursday’s England lockdown November 3, 2020 The government has extended applications for its coronavirus business support loan schemes ahead of England entering a second lockdown on Thursday.