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Bristol Post

Entertainment

Robin Murray

Calls for council action to avoid collapse of Bristol's hospitality sector

An open letter has been sent to Bristol City Council calling for quick action to prevent the collapse of the city's food and hospitality sector.

The letter has been written by Bristol Food Union, an initiative feeding Bristol's most vulnerable people throughout lockdown, and signed by more than 30 of the city's top independent restaurateurs.

It highlights the critical situation that many of the city's restaurants face, and calls on both Government and the local council to help safeguard the hospitality sector.

Speaking on behalf of Bristol Food Union, project founder Aine Morris said: "The aim of this letter is to make sure that both the public and those that represent our city are aware of just how difficult the situation facing many of Bristol restaurants is.

"We are pleased to work in a city where we have a positive and communicative relationship with a local council, who are committed to a sustainable future for Bristol.

"However, the dangers facing the industry are real and immediate. Some of our favourite restaurants are clear that they will be unable to reopen.

"We cannot stand by and watch as these businesses who have committed brutal hours of hard work, personal sacrifice and financial risk, now go under."

How can the council support the industry?

The letter, which can be read in full here, outlines the actions that both Bristol MPs and Bristol City Council can take to help support the sector.

The letter will remain live on the Bristol Food Union website so that more of the city's food businesses can add their voices over the coming weeks.

Bristol Live asked Bristol City Council if it had received and read the letter, and what support it is offering to restaurant owners in the city.

A council spokesperson said: "We’re grateful for the work that the Bristol Food Union has been doing during lockdown to support and promote Bristol’s food scene.

"As a major employer and an important part of Bristol’s culture, we support their calls for clearer guidance and sector-specific support from government we prepare to reopen for business.

"We’re already engaging with businesses and working to ensure that recovery from the pandemic is inclusive, sustainable and successful for Bristol’s hospitality sector.

"Deputy Mayor Asher Craig and Cabinet member Nicola Beech are continuing to meet with sector leaders to discuss in more detail how we can work together to support them and address the local recommendations set out in their letter."

"Bristol's restaurants need help"

Pasta Loco owners Ben Harvey and Dominic Borel (Bristol Post/Dave Betts)

Some of the esteemed chefs and restaurant owners to have signed the letter so far include Larkin Cen of Woky Ko, Peter Sanchez-Iglesias of Casamia, Nathan Lee of Hyde & Co and Josh Eggleton of the Pony & Trap.

Speaking on behalf of the chefs involved with the project, Dominic Borel of Pasta Loco said: "Pasta Loco is a small restaurant with no access to outside seating space.

"During the Covid-19 lockdown we have furloughed staff and been closed. With fixed overheads, but less ability to generate income, there is no easy way to see how we will be able to reopen without sustaining further financial loses.

"We don't know what the answer is, but we're clear that Bristol's restaurants need help."