NEWS

INTERVIEW WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE B&B ASSOCIATION, DAVID WESTON

Publishing Director, Dominic Johnson, had a catch up with David Weston, Chairman of the B&B Association. In case you missed it, here are some key points from the interview.

• COVID trends have shown that hospitality establishments in the countryside have done a lot better this year than properties in cities because people want to avoid cities and the virus

• Self-catering properties did well because people want to stay separate from other guests

• Some B&Bs didn't get any financial support and suffered major financial losses

• B&B Association have been successfully lobbying the gaps in Government schemes to help their members. Ministers and officials now understand the hospitality sector better

• COVID has helped UK tourism as people are opting for staycations

• The first question peopleask now is 'what's your cancellation policy? 'So cancellation and insurance are now hugely important. Think carefully - you have to protect yourself too

• There's been quite a lot of people wanting to enter this market. The new places tend to be run by younger people with a specific niche so the shape of the whole industry is changing

• Booking is now mainly online so get a website. People don't want to call up to book

• Make sure your photos are the best they can be and sort your website out

• Make your COVID safety measures and hygiene/cleaning policies and procedures really clear

• 2021 can't be much worse than 2020. It should be a very good year if places can start to open

Pubs Providing Essential Services

Two pubs have opened village shops to help their local communities during lockdown with help of a £3,000 grant from Pub is The Hub, a not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services.

Luxury BnB Miramedia, 29-31 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LS www.luxurybnbmag.co.uk

The Red Lion in Shobrooke, Devon, has opened a new village shop inside the pub and has been helping the local community with food deliveries and meals-on-wheels. The grant enabled the pub to develop a room just off the main front door of the pub, complete with fitted shelving, a purpose built counter and a fridge and freezer. During the lockdown that began in March, the pub set up a telephone and online food ordering service. Customers could pick up a box of groceries from outside the pub and pay online or via bank transfer. The pub also offered a meals-on-wheels service for vulnerable customers and a takeaway service. The Shobrooke Village Shop and Pub also had the backing of local Central Devon MP Mel Stride who visited the premises in August in support of the plans. Th

e Rose & Crown in Longburton has opened a new shop in a shipping container in its car park. The Dorset pub converted the container into a village shop to help local residents. The Rose & Crown opened 'The Larder' in the pub's car park and offers a range of essentials such as bread, meat, organic milk, fresh fruit and veg and takeaway coffee. They wanted to provide the essential shop which saves locals from travelling three miles to the nearest town. Becky and John Gibbons took over the running of the pub four years ago. Lockdown spurred the family to finish the shop project, which became increasingly important during the pandemic. The owners rallied to help vulnerable and shielding customers by delivering takeaways and supplies.

EDITOR: Juliet Horner | editor@luxurybbmag.co.uk

MEDIA SALES: Audrey Williams | 01892 671 913 audreyw@spacemarketing.co.uk

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Tracy Poulsom

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Dominic Johnson

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Luxury BnB is published bi-monthly. Printed by Stephens & George Ltd

Luxury BnB Miramedia, 29-31 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LS www.luxurybnbmag.co.uk