Hospitality Day 2021: Vote for your favourite St Albans and Harpenden venues

Last year we had the government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme to get people returning to St Albans and Harpenden pubs and restaurants following lockdown.

After another crippling lockdown in 2021, the hospitality sector once again needs your help.

Despite the 'Freedom Day' easing of restrictions on July 19, many businesses are still seriously impacted by the aftermath of COVID-19.

While pubs, restaurants and cafés are no longer hampered by table-only service and social distancing restrictions indoors, the food and drinks industry is still struggling.

The 'pingdemic', staff shortages due to periods of self-isolation and the impact of Brexit, and the reluctance of people to go back out for a meal have all contributed to a significant loss of revenue.

To help the industry bounce back from the pandemic, an action day to celebrate the places we love to eat out at will take place next month.

We also want you to tell us your favourite hospitality venues across the district. It could be Lussmanns or Dylans, St Michael's Manor or Sopwell House, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks or The Boot, or in fact any of the many amazing places we have on our doorstep here in St Albans and Harpenden.

The beautiful gardens of St Michael's Manor in St Albans. (Image: St Michael's Manor)

When is National Hospitality Day?

National Hospitality Day is a nationwide celebration of our brilliant and resilient restaurants, hotels, pubs and bars, and the suppliers that support them.

The campaign will support the food and drinks sector in the lead up to a huge party on Saturday, September 18, 2021.

This day is designed to get people across the country supporting our great pubs, restaurants, hotels, cafes and eateries that we know have suffered terribly – and continue to do so – due to the pandemic.

Until last March, we took our favourite destinations for granted. Now, our restaurants, hotels and pubs are back – but they need the nation’s support if they are to survive and thrive.

National Hospitality Day is a chance for people to say “welcome back – we’ve missed you” by voting with their feet.

It will be a collective shout-out for the places we’ve all missed – and a financial shot in the arm for a sector that’s been hit hardest by coronavirus.

On September 18, people are encouraged to visit their local hospitality venues to show their support for the stricken industry – and to help businesses that have been thrown to their knees by COVID-19.

Organisers are asking the nation to 'go out to help out!'

The charities involved and how to donate

All monies generated by National Hospitality Day will be divided between four participating charities: the Drinks Trust, Hospitality Action, the Licensed Trade Charity, and Springboard.

Together, they other lifelines to the people and businesses behind UK hospitality.

Hospitality Action was established in 1837 and has since offered vital assistance to all who work, or have worked, within the sector in the UK.

The charity is there for chefs, waiters, housekeepers and managers, as well as concierges, receptionists and kitchen porters. It's also there for every sommelier, bartender, catering assistant and cook across the UK.

Whether you work in hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars or cafés, schools, hospitals or event venues, Hospitality Action is there to give you the help, advice and support you need whenever times get tough.

Visit www.nationalhospitalityday.org.uk for more about Hospitality Action Day 2021, and www.nationalhospitalityday.org.uk/donation/ to donate.

By supporting your favourite local place on National Hospitality Day you will be helping a struggling business back on its feet.

You will also be supporting a coalition of the main industry charities who support those hardest hit by the events of the last 18 months.