Once the finances are dealt with, lockdown is a time for maintenance, marketing and maintaining relationships. We ask hospitality leaders how they’re filling their days and keeping their properties safe and secure while empty – and how they are coping with video calls
Benares Mayfair appoints Harsh Joshi general manager
Fine-dining Indian restaurant Benares in London’s Mayfair has appointed Harsh Joshi as its new general manager, marking his return to the restaurant after 13 years.
Rule the school: global flavours score top marks in school food
Creating excitement and harnessing global food trends are vital for caterers in the education sector. Richard McComb reports
Colliers launches free real estate helpdesk for independent London restaurants
Property advisory firm Colliers International has launched a free helpdesk to provide London’s independent restaurant, retail, and leisure companies with real estate advice during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Food and drink supply chain must be protected, government told
Government must ensure the “continuation of critical imports and exports of food and drink at this critical time”, voices from across the supply chain have said.
Government-backed loan scheme for large businesses expanded
The government-backed business interruption loan scheme has been expanded to cover all companies with a turnover of more than £45m.
Surgeons Quarter launches key worker accommodation appeal
Surgeons Quarter Travel is calling on any accommodation provider willing to provide free beds to frontline workers to get in touch to be added to its directory.
Keep pickling and carry on: chefs on how they are preserving produce
Faced with little choice but to let their fields lie almost fallow during the lockdown, chef-gardeners are getting creative with pickles and preserves to see them through until they can open their doors once more.
Viewpoint: Look after your apprentices now and they will look after you in the future
Making the effort to support young staff during the current crisis will ensure a happy, permanent workforce for years to come.
Pret A Manger reopens 10 stores near hospitals to support NHS workers
Pret A Manger has announced it will today reopen 10 shops near hospitals to support NHS workers.

