After the Prime Minister's press conference last night, the government have been accused of ‘abusing hospitality’ after advising the public to 'de-prioritise' social events.
The hospitality industry is furiously calling for Rishi Sunak to ‘wake up and help’ after the announcement was made yesterday as part of the government's latest efforts to brief the public on the latest Covid-related rules.
Daisy Jackson has reported on the impact of mass cancellations and little government support is having on the hospitality industry in the North for The Manc.
It’s left pubs and restaurants facing a wave of cancellations as people heed Chris Whitty’s advice to ‘prioritise what matters’ ahead of Christmas.
In an echo of March 2020 – when Boris Johnson told people to avoid pubs, but stopped short of closing them with proper financial support – there’s currently no mention of how the Government will help hospitality businesses survive such financial losses.
The Chancellor has been markedly quiet on the matter of support, such as furlough, this time around – he’s currently in California, the Mirror has reported – sparking fury in the hospitality sector.
Well-known figures from the restaurant world have all made cries to the Chancellor like: “Stand up and help,” and: “It’s time for Rishi to say something.”
Rishi Sunak / Credit: gov.uk
The Government has also been accused of ‘abusing hospitality’.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said on Twitter: “You can’t tell people to ‘think carefully’ before going to pubs and restaurants and then fail to provide any support for the workers/businesses affected.
“The Government needs to bring forward a support package TODAY for hospitality, events, music and other affected sectors.”
Sacha Lord, who has been busy making rallying cries on news programmes this morning, tweeted: “Colleagues across the UK are waking up broken and in fear. Staff hours are dropping off a cliff.
“@RishiSunak YOU NEED TO STAND UP. We need IMMEDIATE help and a long term strategy to save us.”
He added that someone needs to ‘urgently wake up’ the Chancellor, saying that he has ‘turned his back’ on the fifth-largest industry in the UK
Paul Jones is the co-founder of Manchester brewery Cloudwater, and actively involved in EatWell MCR’s mission to provide tasty meals to vulnerable people in the region.
He supported the message to limit social contacts as Omicron cases rise, but said: “The government is abusing hospitality businesses by (rightly) encouraging reduced socialisation at this time of sky-rocketing Omicron cases, but wrongly and callously offering no financial support to industries directly affected by sharp downturns.”
Cloudwater’s Manchester taproom / Credit: Cloudwater
Tom Kerridge, of Manchester’s Bull & Bear restaurant, was on Sky News this morning, saying: “You have to question as to why we have a point where Chris Whitty is saying one thing and the Government don’t appear to be backing that up or saying the same thing.
“You have to question, is that because there isn’t a support package there? Or if there is, it’s time for Rishi Sunak – wherever he’s gone – to say something and let us know what’s going on.”
Celebrity chef Michel Roux Jr said it was giving ‘Deja vu March 2020’, and First Dates host and hospitality figure Fred Sirieix described the situation as ‘a shambles’.
Elaine Wrigley, from Manchester’s Atlas Bar, said: “If targeted support was there, then @GOVUK guidance would be fine. We all want to do the right thing.
“Reality however, is that we’ve #lockdown by stealth, and a very concerning winter ahead of us, in city centres, #Manchester. Where is @RishiSunak @BorisJohnson?”
The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff posted: “All eyes on Rishi Sunak, then. Morally wrong for PM to host a presser unsubtly-hinting-but-not-quite-saying don’t go out on the town in the run-up to Christmas, but then deny support pubs, restaurants, theatres, cinemas etc. Parliament should force the issue.”
Featured Image – Paul Rigel
News
Embark on a magical Christmas adventure this festive season at Gulliver’s Valley Resort
Get ready for an array of Christmas celebrations for all the family at Gulliver's Valley Theme Park Resort Rotherham.
The most wonderful time of the year is on its way, and if you're looking to really get in the spirit with the whole family then we've got just the thing for you.
Starting from Saturday 14 November, guests can embark on a magical trip through the winter wonderland to visit Santa where all children will receive a free present as well enjoy plenty of festive activities.
These include the one and only Santa's enchanted elevator, an enchanted virtual flight straight to the North Pole taking guests through snowy skies before landing right at Santa's Grotto.
Image: Supplied
Not only that, but families can also visit the beautiful Land of Lights which will be returning to Gulliver's Valley from Sunday 8 November.
Featuring a one-mile route, the Land of Lights includes beautiful illuminated trails and magnificent lantern displays for the whole family to 'oooh' and 'aaah' at.
Gulliver's Valley in Rotherham will be offering a variety of Christmas packages, so you can get the best experience for you.
Image: Supplied
Phil Bracegirdle, resort manager at Gulliver’s Valley, said: “We’re not sure where this year has gone to, it has zipped by so quickly - and we’re now all set for Christmas, the most magical time of the year! All our family favourite packages are there to guarantee a wonderful festive time for everyone. We are thrilled to have the Land of Lights back at the park for the second year running - it was so popular with families, who were dazzled by the incredible displays.
“You can buy standalone tickets for Land of Lights or our Twinkle package includes Christmas activities alongside a visit to the dazzling lantern festival.”
Image: Supplied
The peak-time packages start at just £27 per person with the ‘Smasher’, which includes selected outdoor Christmas rides and attractions, indoor attractions, a visit to the Dragon’s Lair, and the chance to explore Santa’s house and meet him in his grotto, where children can choose a gift from the Elf Workshop.
Guests can enjoy a ‘Festive Breakfast’ package for £33 per person, which includes everything featured in the ‘Smasher’, along with the chance to see Gully’s Christmas Show, alongside a breakfast to keep you fuelled for the day.
Image: Supplied
The ‘Cracker’ package, at £34 per person, features everything in the ‘Festive Breakfast’ but comes with dinner rather than breakfast and the ‘Twinkle’ package, at £39 per person, includes entry to the magical Land of Lights Lantern Festival.
And it doesn't stop there, there are also two off-peak packages – ‘Tinsel Tots’ at £15 per person and ‘Dancer’ at £19 per person.
All packages include a trip on Santa’s Enchanted Elevator.
Image: Supplied
Seen as though it is Christmas, why not add an overnight stay to your trip in the fantastic range of accommodation on offer, which includes Western and Woodland Lodges, Princess and JCB Suites, and Dinosaur and Unicorn-themed Lodges.
The best part? The park’s is offering a special Christmas 2026 sale of 25% discount on the Smasher, Cracker and Festive Breakfast packages for day visits on 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th 29th November and 21st December.
To find out more about these deals and to book your tickets, visit Gulliver's Valley Resort's website here.
Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.
Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.
After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast- growing UK brand will open in November 2026.
Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.
From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.
Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.
"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”
The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.
Sophie Smith -
16th December 2021 
