hospitality & events

Let’s raise a glass for hospitality

Local hospitality is well and truly back in business.

Conference centres and hotels are heading into the winter season with newfound confidence and a real spirit of optimism.

Thanks to the success of the vaccine programme and the continued easing of restrictions, this Christmas already looks set to be far more festive than last year, and celebration plans are firmly back on the menu.

The fact that the region’s hospitality has emerged from pandemic pessimism into a bright new-look future is due, in no small part, to the local community. Their unwavering levels of loyalty and support have helped even the smallest business survive the darkest days, and played a massive part in the sustained recovery.

In fact, right from the word go, businesses and customers have embraced the government’s three R’s – Reopening, Recovery and Resilience – with gusto.

Coming through Covid has made us all appreciate the importance of our local pubs and restaurants so much more. And simple things that we took for granted – like going out and socialising – are more valued than ever. We all now recognise that the hospitality sector is the real hub of the community… a place to meet, chat, make friends and network.

Business innovation and willingness to adapt to change have also been a major key on the roadmap to recovery. New trends in technology and innovation were bubbling under the surface pre-Covid, but now ordering a pint by app or booking a restaurant takeaway are mainstream.

And we’ve all taken to new ways of enjoying our leisure like ducks to water: staycations, outdoor eating, pop-up dining, enhanced safety and hygiene, and sleek online service are part of the new norm and here to stay.

These are just some of the positives to come out of all the turmoil and prove that while the speed of change has been immense and unprecedented, hospitality is well up to the challenge.

That’s not to say there haven’t been hiccups. Trade has surged steadily since the early days of Eat Out to Help Out, but supply has sometimes struggled to keep up with demand, and staff shortages are a big headache. One thing’s for sure though, lessons continue to be learned, and the sector will be as resourceful as ever in finding ways to adapt.

Regional hospitality is well on the road to recovery. So here’s to a prosperous, sustained future!

Brighton & Hove Albion’s new 1901 Club lounges

Brighton & Hove Albion’s 1901 Club members had a warm welcome back to the football club’s home on the south coast at the American Express Community Stadium, for their fifth consecutive season in the Premier League.

Having not been able to welcome 1901 Club members during the various lockdowns, Albion took advantage by upgrading their lounges for their premium, Premier League matchday experience.

Chairman Tony Bloom said, “The 1901 Club team has worked closely with the board, and we think you’ll love the new-look lounges that opened in August. It’s a place where everyone’s welcome, old and new members, business or casual users.

“I hope you like what you see, and what we have planned, and will join us for the next five years. Thanks as ever for your amazing support.”

While supporters can enjoy the fine dining experience, nothing quite beats watching 90 minutes of football in the best seats in the house. Sat directly behind head coach Graham Potter and his staff, platinum 1901 Club members can enjoy the dugout experience, going through every emotion with the players.

There’s no risk of losing that prime position anytime soon either as 1901 Club members lock into a five-year commitment, ensuring they can count on being able to entertain family, friends or clients for the long term.

Supporters have been treated to some of the most entertaining football seen in the world’s best domestic league. Under Potter, Albion play a high tempo, attacking style that has seen them make a very impressive start to the 2021/22 season, earning plenty of plaudits from pundits and the media.

The 1901 Club is more than just the football, it’s a members’ club with a wide range of benefits.

Contact the 1901 Club at 1901@brightonandhovealbion.com or call 01273 668855 (option 2) to secure the last remaining 1901 Club seats.

EAST IS EAST PRIVATE LIVES THE GOOD LIFE CHRISTMAS CONCERTS STICK MAN PINOCCHIO THE NUTCRACKER FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD DOUBT THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE TWO CIGARETTES IN THE DARK PRIVATE PEACEFUL COMEDY, DANCE, MUSIC AND MUCH MORE

Celebrate and support Chichester Festival Theatre

Situated in the cathedral city of West Sussex between the South Downs and the sea, Chichester Festival Theatre is internationally renowned for the exceptionally high standard of its productions.

The Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses – equally suited to epic drama and musicals. Its studio theatre, the Minerva, is particularly noted for premieres of new work alongside intimate revivals. With its light and spacious foyers and welcoming café, bars and restaurants, all with lovely views over Oaklands Park, Chichester is one of the country’s most loved and lively theatres.

In 2022 it celebrates its 60th Anniversary and their Festival Season is set to be an incredibly special one. If you’d like more information on how your business can support and be a part of this very memorable year, contact development.team@cft.org.uk.

Until then, a feast of visiting drama, dance, comedy, family shows and music for all tastes and ages is heading to CFT for their Winter 2021/22 season.

Why not bring a group to CFT? There’s great discounts on tickets available, free reservations and special offers on dining. For full details visit cft.org.uk/groups.

November – March

cft.org.uk 01243 781312

Whether you need a concert venue, meeting room, exhibition space or party venue find out more at southofenglandeventcentre.co.uk or contact us on 01444 892048 or eventcentre@seas.org.uk

20% discount on venue hire for Sussex Chamber of Commerce Members*

The South of England Event Centre is a wholly owned subsidiary of the South of England Agricultural Society, a Registered Charity Number 227033. *Offer applies to new bookings up to 31.12.21

june/july 2019 business edgeOctober/November 2021 business edge

hospitality & conference MEET LEARN PLAN CREATE STAY

Reconnect teams at Roffey Park Institute

Whether working in a virtual, hybrid or office-based team, connecting people and organisations is crucial to thriving and grasping the opportunities the future holds. At Roffey Park Institute we have the perfect venue to bring people back together to build for the future, rebuild team bonds or learn new skills. Located near Horsham, we offer plenty of space, great hospitality and a welcoming place to stay. Our 20 purpose built meeting rooms, restaurant and 60 ensuite bedrooms provide the ideal environment to collaborate together.