Inception Group’s novel approach to social distancing planned for Mr Fogg’s Residence
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“The UK hospitality industry’s response to the coronavirus crisis has been resilient, resourceful and, at times, delightfully and eccentrically British. But as Boris Johnson’s decision over the two metre rule looms, could it all be undone for the sake of 100 centimetres? ”
As we edge closer to once again sharing a delicious meal, a stiff drink and everyday life together, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride in how the UK’s hospitality industry has fought its way through the toughest three months the sector has ever seen.
Following lockdown, the speed with which we witnessed businesses pivot in order to keep trading was inspirational.
Restaurants and bars morphed into greengrocers overnight, chefs created at-home recipe boxes, wholesalers started delivering direct to consumers, and pubs pulled takeaway pints and served up drive-thru Sunday roasts. And let’s not forget the incredible amount of meals that have been provided free-of-charge to the NHS frontline, our chefs and operators have served up national pride by the plateful.
But the challenge is far from over. Now, with three weeks until the government’s 4 July reopening date, the sector faces a raft of hurdles for getting back to business in the “new normal”.
Tough guidelines surrounding social distancing and the use of PPE has once again been responded to with some real ingenuity.
Inception Group, the London-based operator of venues including Mr Fogg’s, Cahoots and Bunga Bunga, will be weaving social distancing measures into the look, feel and overall experience of its sites. Tables at Mr Fogg’s Residence that are to remain empty to enforce social distancing will be populated by Around The World in 80 Days-styled mannequins (pictured). Meanwhile in Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals and Cahoots in Soho, staff and guests are being invited to get playful with PPE with the use of beekeeper outfits for the former and repurposed WW2 gas masks for the latter.
Oakman Inns was first to create a blueprint for how pubs could operate under the new guidelines, heavily focusing on the use of ‘snugs’ as a means of retaining the cosy atmosphere that is so integral to our pub-going experiences whilst effectively screening patrons off from one-another.
In Soho, many restaurants and bars have joined forces in a petition to pedestrianise the area, and asking the council to grant licenses for restaurants, bars and pubs to trade in the street.
Sadly though in many cases many, no amount of operational creativity or chutzpah can counteract the limitations being placed on businesses.
Two-metre social distancing guidelines in particular, will mean operators won’t be able to seat enough customers to match their outgoings. There are already reports of heavy redundancies across the industry as restaurant owners look to cut staffing costs.
News from Brett Graham on Tuesday that the Ledbury would remain closed indefinitely sent shockwaves and sadness through the industry. Adam Handling’s The Frog Hoxton, Mark Wahlberg’s burger brand Wahlburgers, Nathan Outlaw’s Siren at The Goring, Michelin-starred Texture and The Ritz Club have all announced they will not reopen. National sandwich chain Eat has closed 90 of its stores after 24 years of trading, more than 1,000 Carluccio’s staff have lost their jobs after 40 sites were shut by administrators and The Restaurant Group is to shut 125 of its underperforming restaurants, largely impacting its Frankie & Benny’s chain.
According to Business Secretary Alok Sharma, the two-metre rule is still ‘under review’ but time is ticking, and for many business owners 100 centimetres has never meant so much.
And if the World Health Organisation’s recommended one metre is deemed safe in Denmark, France, or Hong Kong, then why not here?
UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “At two metres you are receiving 30% of your normal revenues, at one metre it gets up to 70% – so it is the difference between success and failure for many of those businesses.”
The British Beer & Pub Association estimates that sticking to the two metre guideline could leave up to 25,000 pubs closed with major concerns over when, if ever, they will be able to reopen.
A decision is expected from the Prime Minister imminently with an industry on tenterhooks to hear the outcome.
