Last week saw the much-anticipated return of indoor hospitality. Much like a Malbec on the palette, this was warming, intense, and full of complex characteristics.
A milestone in reopening the economy and bringing life back to Brum – it’s clear that our city is nothing without our award-winning hospitality scene. Sadly, some of our much-loved haunts are not reopening their doors.
This week the news broke that Michelin recommended, multi-award winning, and institution of the community OPUS will not be returning. One of the original independents serving the Brum for 16-years that will forever be a loss to the area.
June presents it’s own challenges for the industry as landlords will be able to demand any unpaid rents as the rules to support the sector will be lifted. Despite not being able to trade at full for 12 months.
We must remain vigilant as residents, city workers, diners and revellers to support our independent hospitality scene. It has been reported that just 24% of independent UK hospitality was able to reopen in the first phase of reopening and there are 9.7% fewer restaurants since before the pandemic.
Now is the time to get back out there and book your favourite restaurant, get that coffee to go or buy the bottle of Malbec before it’s last orders for anyone else.