Welcome to our first news bites of 2021 and the first since we revealed our new Food Alert branding. From vaccine milestones to makeaways, here is a selection of the headlines that caught our eye this week:
Chesterfield hotel opens as vaccination hub
As the death tally from Covid sadly continues to climb, there is hope as the vaccine programme gathers pace. As ever the hospitality sector has stepped up to the plate by offering their venues as vaccination hubs. One such example is Chesterfield’s four-star Casa hotel, which is working with Peak Pharmacy to vaccinate 1,300 people each day as from February.
Makeaways are the new takeaways
If 12 months ago you asked a restaurant to create menus for people to cook at home, you would be laughed at for such a ridiculous notion. But the pandemic has turned ‘business as usual’ on its head, with that very phrase now laughable. Pilgrim Pizza, Patty & Bun and Cote have been early adopters of the concept, with high dining chefs following in their footsteps, from the likes of 2019 Masterchef the Professionals winner Stu Deeley to Made in Oldstead, the food box business from chef Tommy Banks of Michelin-starred The Black Swan in Yorkshire. With no confirmed opening date in site for hospitality, the idea of restaurant at home kit boxes as a trend that is going to grow is something we expect to see in 2021 and beyond.
Well-being, street dining and at home kits are trends that are set to continue
The Food Service Trends 2021 and Beyond report by Coverpoint identifies at-home kits, well-being and street dining are among the food service trends set to continue long after the pandemic has been brought under control as the industry “rejuvenates”. The need for hospitality to prepare for changes in legislation this year in terms of Natasha’s Law and nutritional labelling are more pressing than ever.