Supporting Food & Drink Businesses Through the Coronavirus Crisis

A bit of a different column for you this month. Given that our bars, restaurants, cafes and most food-related businesses are closed at the moment and we’re all staying at home (quite rightly), there are no fun hints and tips of what’s on and where to go. 

Needless to say, the coronavirus pandemic has brought us challenging times. Financially, mentally, emotionally. It’s hit every part of the way our society works – including the way we socialise. 

Among many other sectors, the UK hospitality industry has been crippled by the lockdown and while bar owners, restaurateurs, street food traders and everyone else in the sector gets why the measures are in place, it doesn’t stop them fearing for the future of their business. 

Some have changed what they do, some are offering takeaway and delivery, others have transformed themselves into pop-up shop helping you get all the essential supplies that you need. For others, it’s a case of hanging on, hoping for government support and seeing where this goes.

But while you can’t visit your favourite places, there are still a few ways that you can support them, and maybe just help tide them over while they get the help they need and hold out for a bit of normality to return. 

Here are a few ideas:-

Order online

Quite a few businesses have switched to an online offering, either via delivery or click and collect. I appreciate money is tight for all of us, but in some cases if you’re not spending what you previously would have spent going out, maybe you could order in a few treats. 

There are independent businesses across the country doing mail order treats, from hot sauce to booze to brownies. Your local businesses might also be doing delivery – in the past week alone, I’ve found new local suppliers of bread, meat, veg and more. Have a look and see if you can’t support them in some way. 

Go independent for your essentials

We’re hearing a lot about how supermarkets are feeding the nation, but there is a whole army of independent suppliers who are also coming in to their own. Butchers, bakers, farm shops, local shops – they’re all open and are likely to have fewer queues and arguably some better quality produce. 

Buy a voucher

While many restaurants and food and drink businesses are closed, you can still support them by buying a voucher. Perhaps you had a meal planned this week before the world changed and could buy a voucher instead ready to use when a bit of normality returns. That voucher might just help that restaurant out hugely. 

Support Hospitality Action

Hospitality Action is supporting people from the sector who have, quite frankly, been left high and dry by the current situation including a Covid-19 grant scheme.

They’ve already raised more than £230,000 and every little bit helps so head to their website here to support. 

Order dinner in

Quite a few restaurants are doing a contactless delivery or takeaway option so you can still have a night off from cooking, even get glammed up and light some candles, and brighten up these strange times with a nice dinner. 

There are a few lists around, including this piece that highlights a few places doing it. 

Support them on social media

I know, it doesn’t sound like much, but for many it will help. It raises their profile, it keeps them going, and it might just do something to help them when lockdown is lifted and people are looking where to go. 

Social media is free, it’s easy, and it doesn’t take much for you to give a little bit of support to some places that need you. 

Support crowdfunding campaigns and pay-it-forward schemes

Some restaurants and other businesses have launched crowdfunding campaigns to stay afloat, while others are doing things to help NHS workers and support vulnerable people in their areas. Support these, by either donating or helping in the ways they need. Every little helps, and you helping them might in turn help them to survive.