The festive season is in jeopardy as the Brexit vote has become the Christmas 'Grinch', with the hospitality industry already feeling the pinch. New research from the UK’s largest hospitality job board caterers.com has revealed more than half (57%) of pub, bar, hotel and restaurant groups are already starting to feel the knock-on effects of the Brexit vote.
Party-goers across the nation are being asked to be patient while waiting for a top up on their Christmas fizz, with more than a third (35%) of hospitality businesses admitting they will be short staffed over the holiday period as Brexit takes its toll on experienced EU hospitality staff.
With Sajid Javid asking EU migrants to at least earn £30,000 before they are allowed to come to Britain, makes it even harder for the industry to hire.
On the other hand, the Christmas austerity has also hit the spending capacity of Britons. The hospitality industry is facing that crunch more and more, with D-day nearing. Most Asian restaurants that are usually self sufficient with staff, have their festive menu ready.
Dishoom has included a Turkey Raan in their special festive menu, while newbie Litle Kolkata has organised a 'chat-day' on 31st December.
Posto by Kolkata Kitchen is the dream project of a few enterprising food enthusiasts. Based in the Harrow area, they have many clients (Asian and non Asian) who are regulars. Chef and co-owner of the restaurant, Pritha Mukherjee said she is ready with a festive menu which includes Bengali delicacies. However the reducing footfall to celebrate the holiday season, especially by walk-ins, is something that she cannot ignore. Speaking to Asian Voice, Pritha said, “There is no problem with the regulars. They are very keen to celebrate this festive season with us, they know us from our catering days- Kolkata Kitchen. But walk-ins, which is popular, have reduced this season, perhsp same as any central London restaurant.”
