Appetisers

With hospitality markets worldwide suffering the economic impact of COVID-19, millions of hotel bar and restaurant jobs are on the line.

As the spread of Coronavirus has ushered in a series of unprecedented lockdown measures, the hospitality market has taken a significant share of the impact. As a result, restaurants and bars around the world have been forced to cease operations and furlough or lay-off vast swathes of their workforce. In the UK, a study by the University of Essex’s Institute for Social & Economic Research predicts 6.5 million jobs could be lost in the fallout, with accommodation and F&B services bearing the brunt with over 1.3 million potentially unemployed. Across the Atlantic meanwhile, The US National Restaurant Association has projected up to seven million out of work, and a US$225 billion decline in sales.

As one of the early casualties of the crisis, Rishi Sunak announce a £330 billion package of support soon after, as well as the freezing of business rates for a year.

Brands have since taken steps to protect their workers; Manorview Hotels has retained all staff on 50% of their salaries, whist Whitbread – the parent company of Premier Inn – has pledged to keep furloughed workers on full pay by topping up the 20% of wages lost as part of the government retention scheme.

Elsewhere, unable to work in their typical capacity, many chefs are finding ways to contribute to the social battle against the virus. Facilitated by the charity Chefs in Schools, a team from The Dorchester have been volunteering in Tower Hamlets’ Manorfield Primary, where,

A Workforce Immobilised

some restaurants and bars opted to pivot to delivery or collection models. But even with this adaptation, job losses were inevitable, as chains and independents alike sought to minimise overheads for the survival of the company.

In the face of this crisis, prominent individuals and groups have been quick to emphasise the need for both clarity and community. Early action included activist and chef Alex Claridge of The Wilderness in Birmingham launching a petition urging British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to outline a clear support plan and take responsibility for the livelihoods at stake.

“I couldn’t sit by and watch the hard work of my team, my peers and 3 billion other people crumble before my eyes overnight, and started a petition to ask for our questions to be answered,” Claridge explains. “The £75 billion contribution the hospitality industry adds to the economy annually must, we argue, afford us at least that.” Over 200,000 people signed, and contributed to ongoing industry pressure that saw Chancellor like many schools, the free meal programme continues to feed the children of key workers. Likewise, kitchen staff from The Berkeley have been working on a voluntary basis to deliver more than 1,500 meals a week to locals. But whilst essential in times like these, voluntary services can only last as long as there is a support system willing and able to keep those indefinitely treading water from sinking.

A three-week extension to the UK lockdown was announced in mid-April by British deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, though it is looking increasingly likely that a longer period of distancing will be necessary, with estimates of up to a year until a vaccine is prepared. Whether this support – by way of loosening measures or a fullscale bail-out – is able to carry the considerable weight this amount of unemployment and revenue loss comes with, remains to be seen.

Business travel can wreak havoc with health and fitness, but Residence Inn by Marriott is helping guests to make nutritious home-cooked meals from the comfort of their room.

When travelling for work, eating healthily and maintaining a fitness regime can be quite the challenge. With cocktail receptions, dining out and long hours often part of the job, some find it difficult to keep up with good habits, whilst others simply miss home comforts and the ritual of preparing meals.

A recent study commissioned by Residence Inn by hotel group Marriott quizzed 1,000 British adults on their culinary habits and found that two thirds of respondents miss home-cooked meals when travelling, and almost 40% claim they would rather eat meals that they’ve rustled up themselves than dine out in a fancy restaurant.

The survey also revealed that 38% use cooking as a way to unwind after a hard day at work, experiences that will meet their health-conscious needs while away from home for an extended period of time,” notes John Licence, Vice President Premium and Select Brands at Marriott International Europe. “The in-suite kitchens ensure guests are provided with the tools to cook whatever they want, whenever they want.”

A 24-hour grocery delivery service is also included as part of the package, removing the hassle of sourcing ingredients between appointments and meetings. “Guests can simply leave their shopping list with reception and their ingredients will be delivered to their suite on their return after a day of work or out exploring the local area,” adds Licence. “The grocery delivery service is convenient for business travellers

Home Comforts

with research suggesting that being able to consistently prepare food promotes greater wellbeing and all-round health. “Being able to cook your own meals ensures a healthy habit is honoured, by providing a moment to switch off after a busy day,” says Carole Ann Rice, a leading life coach who has worked with a variety of individual and corporate clients. “By going through slow motions such as chopping, blending and stirring, the brain is eased into an alpha state – a place of relaxation and a place where creative thoughts can be ignited.”

Replicating this in the hotel setting, Marriott’s Residence Inn properties have been designed with the needs of the modern traveller in mind. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen that includes a full-size refrigerator, hob, microwave, dishwasher and coffee-maker, ensuring guests have everything they need to create nutritious meals from the comfort of their suite.

“Residence Inn suits guests who want to live better and have access to amenities and who are on-the-go and searching for a healthy alternative to eating out every night.”

As one of the leaders of the extended-stay segment, Residence Inn’s offer is geared towards maximising the limited free time business travellers do have, whilst also encouraging them to keep fit and healthy. Collaborations with sports company Under Armour and the creation of mapped running routes around the hotel is a further example of how they are trying to help guests stay on track with their goals.

For many, business travel is a fundamental part of the job, but as the extended-stay segment continues to grow, so too will innovations in the sector, resulting in services and experiences that give guests that feeling of home wherever they might be.